Anyone use the shift detent kit from Factory Pro or Spears?

872 Views 34 Replies 4 Participants Last post by kellimz92, 17 d ago

jjmaine

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

I don't plan on installing one (unless I have the same issue with my QS) but have just been reading some people that put a quick shifter on their Ninja 300 experienced issues shifting from 2-3rd gear and had to install this to fix the issue.

Also, it allegedly makes for smoother more positive shifting feel is this true? How much of a hassle is it to install? Looks simple, just pop the clutch off and replace the oem unit with the new...

ex300, kawasaki,Factory Pro, 800 869-0497 shift kit missed shift star

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Frank

· #2 · 2 mo ago

I did in an effort to fix the auto downshifting from 5th to 4th. Worked for a while but ultimately I installed a back cut tranny. As you said , remove the clutch and swap in the new part.

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jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

Thanks Frank!

I was just searching now and some seem to think that if you wait until you are having issues with shifting frequently then the damage is done and the detent kit wont help? For most street riding it's usually not an issue (though I've experienced some missed shifts usually higher gears at high rpm) but when you install a QS and start having fun with it problems might arise.

Do you think it is worth the cost and trouble to install one as a preventative measure? Did it actually improve the shifting feel?

Frank

· #4 · 2 mo ago

I seem to remember it improves the feel but it was 3+ years ago so I'm not positive any more. If it saves having to R&R the engine it's worth it. My bike has a quick shifter so shifts have to be quick and positive. This bike has spent it's entire life at the track though and has never been babied.

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jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #5 · 2 mo ago

I think I won’t rush into it but if I notice any missed shifts with the quick shifter then I’ll get right on it and change that detent arm. Prob end up doing a manual cct while I’m at it and have the fairing off…

jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #6 · 2 mo ago

Do you need to even remove the shift shaft to install it or can you get it bolted on without removing the entire shaft?

Frank

· #7 · 2 mo ago

Hmmm, can't remember but I don't think so. I bought a tool to hold the clutch basket (or you can make one from an old steel plate). it's important to take care with pressure plate installation because of the slipper clutch but I'm sure you already knew that.

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jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #8 · 2 mo ago

In Spears pdf instructions it says to remove it but looking at the photos it seems possible to just slip it in behind the arms on the shift shaft. Just trying to collect info for the future if I end up installing it. I'll have to get the clutch tool too...

Kawasaki 13-14 ex300.pdf (spearsenterprises.com)

jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #9 · 2 mo ago

I ordered the stuff to install the kit. Conventional wisdom from what I have read has been to avoid slipping gears in high rpm you should keep pressure on the shift lever until you let the clutch fully out and that keeps it from slipping back a gear. The only problem with a quick shifter is it's impossible. For one, the whole point is to not use the clutch and you can't hold the shift lever because it cuts the ignition.
I'm thinking that by installing it ahead of time, I shouldn't have much if any issues with gears slipping and keep the transmission dogs from getting rounded out.

Did you torque yours back on with an impact? Norton did a write up on the Ninja 400 and they recommended using an impact to remove the clutch nut and install it because you risk breaking the clutch basket with the holding tool while trying to torque the nut. I'm thinking to mark the nut and the shaft and then use a 1/2" impact to torque it right back on where it was before I took it off....

I know some people will gasp at the idea of using an impact on it but just guess what your local shop uses when you pay them all that money to work on your bike with love and care.

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Frank

· #10 · 2 mo ago

I used a torque wrench and would think that an impact would be more stressful than steady pressure. Regardless, marking initial position is probably a good technique.

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Frank

· #11 · 2 mo ago

I suspect you have to remove the clutch to get access to some hold-down screws? I've been working on other bikes since I did the 300 and sometimes get the details mixed up.

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jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #12 · 2 mo ago

Frank said:
I used a torque wrench and would think that an impact would be more stressful than steady pressure. Regardless, marking initial position is probably a good technique.

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I just remember the last time I used an ebc clutch tool to torque a clutch nut, the tool started bending at 50lbs (needed to get to I think 74lbs) and was an absolute bear to hold on to. I'm certainly not opposed to torquing it correctly, I'd rather do that if possible.

Maybe I can extend the handle of the clutch tool to rest it on the ground while I torque it, or have a buddy help me when the time comes...

jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #13 · 2 mo ago

Dang, this thing is tiny! For some reason I thought it was much bigger from the pictures but it’s only 1 1/2”.
For all my bitching about Spears prices, at least he still offers a lot of these 1 off parts for the Ninja 300. The prices might be high but what are you going to do if you can’t buy it anywhere else? Most places stopped selling anything for the Ninja 300 once the 400 came out…

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jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #14 · 2 mo ago

2

Got the new shift arm installed and clutch basket back on. Now to find some new clutch plates and fibers🥹

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jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #15 · 2 mo ago

🐰

Frank

· #16 · 2 mo ago

Nice job

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jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #17 · 2 mo ago

Thanks Frank, it really was easy to install. Hey, any idea what your cut times are for your quick shifter?

Frank

· #18 · 2 mo ago

I'll have to connect to the PC5 to read them, can't see them offline I guess. I have to recalibrate the TPS so will check in the next couple of days.

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SparkyMJ

· #19 · 2 mo ago

I am interested to see how this turns out. I've never had shifting issues with no QS, but man the shifter is so slush mush. Can you feel any difference moving the shifter by hand with the bike just in your shop? I have come to love the positive and almost a "weighted" feeling to my GSX-R shifter. They clunk just the right amount, and the shifter doesn't have as much throw to make a shift.

With how easy you said it was, might be worth doing if you like it.
Indeed, Spears has got a lot of goods for a bike that isn't really mainstream anymore....

-Mike

jjmaine

Discussion Starter · #20 · 2 mo ago

Yeah it def. takes more force to shift and it snaps right into gear with an audible click now just by using my hand. I'm also hoping the new bearing improves the shifter feel as well but that is yet to be seen. If you do end up installing it, I can link you to a good thread on the Ninjette forum with all kinds of good tips, it really is easy to do. I just put the whole thing in place before tightening the bolt all the way, and then using a pair of needle nose, moved the spring and set it under and against the case. If I had known I needed clutch plates and had them on hand it would've only taken a few hours and much of the was gasket duty lol.

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