XR250R (1996) - gear change feel

[Kermit]

Hi, have just introduced myself here and now my first question.

Had a first proper ride on it today and overall it feels mechanically sound but think it needs new r.wheel bearings and maybe the valve clearances checking (besides the cosmetic side of things).

One thing that seemed a bit odd though was the gear change which while shifting fine all the way up and all the way down seems to have a bit of long travel when you reach 1st or 6th and still think you 'might' have another gear left to go down or up....on my Fireblade and all other sportbieks bikes I've owned, when u reach 1st or 6th then try to snick another unexistant gear, the levers travel clearly lets you know you've reached your limit as it won't go up or down very much.......on my XR I can press up or down 3 or 4 inches with little resistance before realising there's no more gears so takes longer to realise...is this normal?

[YEN_POWELL]

Check that you don't have slop/play where the gear lever clamps onto the gear change shaft.

Rear wheel bearings can be checked by getting someone to lean the bike on the side stand so the rear wheel comes off the ground. Then grasp the wheel at two opposite sides and try and rock it on the axle. Any slight clciking or movement and it's new bearings time.

[insainwayne]

Not on my 96 model, you push down all the way and you know your in first. feels normal just like my twin.