Shifting Gears is getting difficult.

[the_sandman_454]

"Old" isn't the reason. And the bike doesn't "stiffen up" with use.

I concur. If anything, as mechanical devices get older they tend to get looser due to parts wearing. Then again 3000 miles is nothing in the average useful life of a bike.

[olebiker]

In addition to all the advice given also check to make sure the cable is not frayed anywhere.

+1 Last winter when the clutch on my Bonneville started feeling wonky, it was actually a warning the cable was getting ready to break. Wish I'd paid more attention, I wouldn't have gotten stranded 40 miles from home on New Year's Eve. Mostly when the cables break, they go at the top in or near the lever, that's where you want to check first.

Unless you were in traffic I don't understand why you were stranded? I have had quite a few broken clutch cables. Last year I was in traffic and it was tough but once you get it rolling it is not hard to ride home. As long as you have some idea how to shift without using the clutch. I don't recommend riding this way but it will get you home.

[RhadamYgg]

In addition to all the advice given also check to make sure the cable is not frayed anywhere.

+1 Last winter when the clutch on my Bonneville started feeling wonky, it was actually a warning the cable was getting ready to break. Wish I'd paid more attention, I wouldn't have gotten stranded 40 miles from home on New Year's Eve. Mostly when the cables break, they go at the top in or near the lever, that's where you want to check first.

Unless you were in traffic I don't understand why you were stranded? I have had quite a few broken clutch cables. Last year I was in traffic and it was tough but once you get it rolling it is not hard to ride home. As long as you have some idea how to shift without using the clutch. I don't recommend riding this way but it will get you home.

I've done a few accidental shifts without the clutch - it feels like someone punched it on an old sports car - it really takes off! It wasn't too bad. Fortunately, I haven't done that in a while.

RhadamYgg

[jstark47]

In addition to all the advice given also check to make sure the cable is not frayed anywhere.

+1 Last winter when the clutch on my Bonneville started feeling wonky, it was actually a warning the cable was getting ready to break. Wish I'd paid more attention, I wouldn't have gotten stranded 40 miles from home on New Year's Eve. Mostly when the cables break, they go at the top in or near the lever, that's where you want to check first.

Unless you were in traffic I don't understand why you were stranded? I have had quite a few broken clutch cables. Last year I was in traffic and it was tough but once you get it rolling it is not hard to ride home. As long as you have some idea how to shift without using the clutch. I don't recommend riding this way but it will get you home.

Getting it going was the problem. I tried it a dozen times, stalled it each time. It was cold, I was getting fatigued, and became aware I was eventually going to drop the bike if I kept messing with it. I ended up parking it nearby, getting a ride home from my wife, and going back the next day with another cable. Put the cable on, rode it home.

[TrueFaith]

It does sound like an oil or clutch cable issue. Since the 250R has a wet clutch, too light a viscosity may affect shifting adversely. There have been a few issues with the clutch parts in the 250R not being machined properly at the factory. If everything else suggested fails, I'd take it back to the dealer and have them check it out. If they can't find the problem either, you may have received one with the factory problem and they'd have to disassemble the clutch to determine for sure. If you go that route it should be covered by warranty. I assume you've already checked the VIN of your bike on the Kawasaki web site for any recalls?