Get the clutch set up spot on, from operating arm to lever. See how you go with that first. I reckon it'll make a positive difference...

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Cheers Pleiades readjusted clutch cable has made a difference and adjusted chain still a bit clunky but know we're near like it was my bike is a 2009 was wondering if mine hade a problem with oil feed to gearbox as I have seen on the forum on this year xtr

Good stuff.

I shouldn't fret about that. That related to a tiny number of 2014/15 bikes!

The 2009 3rd/4th gear issues only affect Teneres, mostly blue ones, and only a handful at that.

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I find the gear change on my xtr 2009 amazing and smooth. Sometimes it just falls into gear and you can't feel it like it has synchromesh!
clutchless up changes also work like a dream


I never touch anything other that premium full synthetic oil for my bikes and cars. I have used elf 10/50 full synth which is excellent but no longer available.


motul 10/40 7100is very good and much cheaper than 300V if you cannot afford it as is silkolene pro4 plus


correct chain adjustment and alignment also affect the quality of the change

+1. I also use full synthetic apart from a brief experiment with mineral and semi. Found that both of those lasted a very short time before the gearchange went 'off'. Penrite has since marketed a fully synthetic, motorcycle-specific, 15W-50 which my bike seems to thrive on. I have never had any clutch issues with full synthetic, MA-rated oil in any bike.

I think the only proven danger mechanically is bore glazing under continuous, extended slow running/light throttle conditions, which isn't applicable to my Tenere.

However, it is to my main work bike (WR250R), so it runs on mineral oil, changed every 50hrs.

My old and battered TTR250 has always used full synthetic, apart from trying it briefly on mineral oil, and is still on its original clutch after around 74,000km and about 6000hrs. It has an iron barrel liner, so is less prone to glazing imo. They just don't make bikes like that any more for my application.