The gear lever is the pedal by your left foot. It clamps onto the splined shift spindle, either directly or through a short rod and second arm. Step-throughs often use a rocking heel-and-toe lever.
What it does
Pressing down or lifting the lever turns the shift spindle, which changes gear inside the engine. The lever is held on by a pinch bolt through a slot. Splines on the spindle and in the lever stop it from slipping. Drops and kerbs bend levers; a loose pinch bolt lets the splines wear smooth.
Signs it is worn or failing
- Lever loose, bent or slipping round: Gear lever loose or bent.
- Lever does not come back up: Gear lever does not spring back. Check it is not touching the footpeg or engine cover first.
- Changes feel hard or vague: Hard gear change.
When to replace it
Replace a lever that is cracked, bent so it touches the engine, or has worn splines. A slightly bent steel lever can sometimes be straightened cold; never heat an alloy lever. If the spindle splines are worn too, the workshop must assess the spindle.
What to match when buying
- Make, model and year. Spline count and the inner diameter of the clamp must match the spindle.
- Lever length and angle change your foot position: compare with the old lever.
- Linkage type levers also need the correct rod and ball joints.
- Replace the pinch bolt if its thread is damaged.
Fitting notes
- Before removing, mark the spline position with paint so the lever goes back at the same height.
- Home job: Refit or replace the gear lever.
- Check the whole linkage: Check the gear lever and shift linkage.