Lessons Learned

Riding is always a fun experience and you have to constantly learn.

For instance, I have a 2 year old bike and have never thought twice about carrying some tools. A stock bike with all the proper maintenance, what could go wrong? Famous last words.

Driving across the I-30 river bridge headed to North Little Rock, I went to shift into 6th and was meet with no resistance just a swivel in my shift. Trying to assess the situation in morning rush hour traffic is not the ideal location. Since I was in fifth I was ok for the time being but needed a plan of action for the upcoming exit and stop lights. I knew I would never make the corner, at the off chance of the light being green, in fifth gear and even if I did what then, there are numerous lights ahead. As I was approaching the exit I was quickly trying to make a decision that left me with an escape route. I had a clear shot to the sidewalk with a relatively low curb, so I coasted down and hopped the curb. 

Hazard lights flashing I started removing all the riding gear, gloves, helmet, & jacket, I had already started sweating trying to figure out what I was going to do. I knew there was no chance of fixing this without tools and the wife is home with a 1 month old. Do I ask her to bring tools, what if I can't fix it, I would then need a trailer and there was no way she was going to be able to load that up and traverse morning traffic nor did I want her to.

I caught my breath and thought lets just start with an assessment. Looking down and the limp shifter I noticed the linkage was not connected. Simple enough, just slide it back on make it to work, worry about it later.

Splined Shaft

It turns out there is a sort of fail safe on the shifter, to prevent this from happening, it did not, but was however preventing it from going on. In theory the shaft was splined with an indention where the screw, to tighten the linkage to the shaft, would slide in and prevent it from completely coming off. Without an allen wrench I was not going to be able to remove the screw, but the back half of the splines shaft was enough to grip. I was able to get the transmission into 1st gear.

Rerouting for my remaining trip to work in my head I could probably make it by staying away from lights or at least get to a more suitable parking spot, given the current condition of the shifter.

The story had a happy ending, I was able to make it to work and just happened to have an allen wrench to make the necessary repairs.

Lesson learned, ALWAYS HAVE SOME TOOLS! A set of allen wrenches and a pair of pliers take up minimal space and could save you a headache. Needless to say, I will be putting together a little tool bag for the future!