Shifter linkage slop - Yamaha YTM200

[toadson]

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and have owned a Yamaha YTM200E (86 model I think) for about a year now. It's in great shape except for the plastics, which have been toasted by the sun. I never really noticed until I was climbing a hill the other day in some trails I have on my family's property that my shifter has way too much play in it. I was climbing the hill in 3rd gear and needed to downshift to 2nd in order to make my way to the top, only to have it get stuck between gears. I began to go backwards down the hill, but managed to grab a tree and hold the front brake on without any problems. I know many ATVs have shifter linkages as well, and I thought I would see what solutions any of you have come up with. The slop all seems to be on one end of the linkage, as the other is fairly tight yet.

Aside from this technical issue, I'd also like to learn some riding tips for trails. I've educated myself quite a bit on what NOT to do on a trike, and consider myself a safe rider. I'm 22 years old and am about 230 lbs, so I know how to shift my weight and keep control of the trike, but have still managed to flip over a few times in the last month on some hills. Each time the trike just fell on its side, which isn't really a big deal, but I would like to learn more techniques to keep in control the best I can.

Also, how safe are trikes vs. four wheelers for hill climbs? I've made it up some steep hills that I never thought I would even try, but have always wondered if trikes are more prone to flipping backwards. I'm not much of a dare devil, but I still like climbing hills when I know I'm not going to somehow injure myself, lol. Sorry for such a long first post, but I'm hoping to learn more about trikes so I can keep having fun!

[81k]

My YTM has the same sloppy shifter, but you may find that if you can shim the shifter where it pivots, this may help your problem some. I used several different thickness washers between the shifter and the cotter pin that holds it on, because the shaft it pivots on becomes worn. This allows it to cock sideways allowing the slack. After I did this to mine, I have not missed another gear. I mostly noticed mine from 1st to 2nd when my boots were wet. Also the engine on these trikes are mounted very far back in the chassis, making them a bit more light in the front end. I have 2 other trikes, (200X and 250R) and they are more level on climbing hills.

[toadson]

Thanks for the info, it actually ended up being a simple fix. The nut had come loose on one of the ends and all I had to do was tighten it up. There is a little bit of play yet, but it is MUCH better now. I'm not sure how I didn't notice it the other day, but am glad it turned out to be that easy.

I never thought about the engine being tucked back so far, but you're right about the light front end. It can be a pain to turn in some situations because the front tire gets almost no traction unless you really lean over it.

[MonroeMike]

^I have done the same as 81k (on the brake pedal also), for side to side play, it helps some, as he mentioned.

As far as end play you described, the ball is probably worn. If you go to replace it, make sure you order the same one, the other end has opposite threads.

You might be able to adjust it, even with the wear, to find the sweet spot.