P500 Shifting seems to be getting inconsistent.

[DG Rider]

Last few rides, I've noticed what seems to be some inconsistent clutch re-engagement during shifts. This has always been present to some degree, esp in the upper gears, and often you need to ride for a few minutes to get a real feel for the adjustment, but it seems like it's getting worse.
It's almost like the shift motor doesn't let the shift mechanism return to center fast enough, and adjusting the clutch seems to be too little or too much at times...and I've been playing with it for a few rides.

It has been starting fine, but I wonder if maybe the battery is getting towards the end of it. I know the ESP stuff was always sensitive to this, and AFAIK, the battery is the one it rolled off the truck with back in 2015.

 

[Gassygordo]

Last few rides, I've noticed what seems to be some inconsistent clutch re-engagement during shifts. This has always been present to some degree, esp in the upper gears, and often you need to ride for a few minutes to get a real feel for the adjustment, but it seems like it's getting worse.
It's almost like the shift motor doesn't let the shift mechanism return to center fast enough, and adjusting the clutch seems to be too little or too much at times...and I've been playing with it for a few rides.

It has been starting fine, but I wonder if maybe the battery is getting towards the end of it. I know the ESP stuff was always sensitive to this, and AFAIK, the battery is the one it rolled off the truck with back in 2015.

How many miles are on your P5?

 

[Russ989]

Last few rides, I've noticed what seems to be some inconsistent clutch re-engagement during shifts. This has always been present to some degree, esp in the upper gears, and often you need to ride for a few minutes to get a real feel for the adjustment, but it seems like it's getting worse.
It's almost like the shift motor doesn't let the shift mechanism return to center fast enough, and adjusting the clutch seems to be too little or too much at times...and I've been playing with it for a few rides.

It has been starting fine, but I wonder if maybe the battery is getting towards the end of it. I know the ESP stuff was always sensitive to this, and AFAIK, the battery is the one it rolled off the truck with back in 2015.

I’d say your battery is due for replacement, those batteries have a rough life with all of the vibration and heat. I’d check it with a volt meter before I pulled it though, the 500 battery placement is a PITA! As you well know.

 

[DG Rider]

How many miles are on your P5?

34**

I’d say your battery is due for replacement, those batteries have a rough life with all of the vibration and heat. I’d check it with a volt meter before I pulled it though, the 500 battery placement is a PITA! As you well know.

I went out and checked it last night after typing that 1st post. 13.01 volts. So it certainly is fully charged. Didn't realize it was an AGM battery until then.

I should note that we are not talking about HUGE changes in shifting here where the machine comes to a stop on a hill and then does a neutral-drop style take off. Subtle stuff.

 

[nctrailboss]

It's all in that fine area of correct clutch adjustment.It shows itself more in 4th and 5th gear because the load on the clutch is greater in higher gears.Adjust for a nice smooth shift in 1st through 3rd,and a little slippage before full engagement is present during 4th and 5th.This is more pronounced at greater throttle settings.Just have to find that happy in between setting.Mine is the same way.It does seem to help a tad when the shift paddle is held until the shift is complete,instead of a quick tap.

 

[DG Rider]

It's all in that fine area of correct clutch adjustment.It shows itself more in 4th and 5th gear because the load on the clutch is greater in higher gears.Adjust for a nice smooth shift in 1st through 3rd,and a little slippage before full engagement is present during 4th and 5th.This is more pronounced at greater throttle settings.Just have to find that happy in between setting.Mine is the same way.It does seem to help a tad when the shift paddle is held until the shift is complete,instead of a quick tap.

That's pretty much where it's at.

 

[Mudder]

My battery read good volts, but

34**

I went out and checked it last night after typing that 1st post. 13.01 volts. So it certainly is fully charged. Didn't realize it was an AGM battery until then.

I should note that we are not talking about HUGE changes in shifting here where the machine comes to a stop on a hill and then does a neutral-drop style take off. Subtle stuff.

Had a different issue, and battery read good voltage but was weak under load, replaced it and all ok.

 

[DG Rider]

My battery read good volts, but

Had a different issue, and battery read good voltage but was weak under load, replaced it and all ok.

I do need to load test it.

 

[Tstover]

Mine was shifting just as nctrailboss explained. Seemed like it wanted to take forever to shift into those higher gears, but was fine in the first 3. Did the clutch adjustment and that thing was slamming into gear, way too harsh. I started making small adjustments every ride, like a 16th of a turn at a time until I found the spot I was happy with.