Introduction
Hello everyone! I am Rajesh, and welcome to Rajesh Technical Giyan.
The Hero Glamour 125 is one of the most reliable commuter motorcycles, known for its smooth engine, excellent fuel efficiency, and comfortable riding experience. However, many riders eventually face gear shifting problems such as hard gear changes, false neutral, gear slipping, stiff gear lever movement, or unusual transmission noise. These issues not only reduce riding comfort but can also lead to serious gearbox damage if ignored.
Fortunately, not every gear shifting problem means the gearbox is damaged. In many cases, the issue is caused by incorrect clutch cable adjustment, improper gear pedal position, worn engine oil, or poor drive chain maintenance. These problems can often be corrected without opening the engine.
In this complete workshop guide, you will learn how to perform the Hero Glamour engine gear setting correctly using simple tools. We will explain the gear shifting mechanism, common symptoms, adjustment procedures, preventive maintenance, and expert tips that help restore smooth gear engagement while extending the life of your transmission.
Understanding the Hero Glamour Gear Shift System
Before making any adjustments, it is important to understand how the Hero Glamour gearbox operates.
The motorcycle uses a constant-mesh sequential gearbox. Every time you press the gear pedal, the movement is transferred through the shift shaft to the shift drum. The shift forks then move the transmission gears into the correct position while the clutch temporarily disconnects engine power, allowing smooth gear engagement.
If any part of this system is incorrectly adjusted, the gears may not engage completely, leading to hard shifting or false neutral.
Main Components of the Gear Shift System
The Hero Glamour transmission consists of several important parts:
- Gear Shift Pedal
- Shift Shaft
- Gear Selector Arm
- Shift Drum
- Shift Forks
- Clutch Assembly
- Drive Chain
- Engine Oil
Each component must work together to ensure smooth gear changes.
Common Signs That Your Hero Glamour Needs Gear Adjustment
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your motorcycle may require gear setting or clutch adjustment.
Hard Gear Shifting
The gear lever feels unusually stiff, requiring extra force to shift gears.
False Neutral
The gearbox suddenly slips into neutral between gears.
Gear Slipping
The motorcycle jumps out of gear during acceleration.
Grinding Noise
A metallic grinding sound while shifting often indicates incomplete gear engagement.
Loose Gear Lever
The gear pedal feels loose or does not return to its original position.
Difficult Neutral Selection
Finding neutral becomes difficult, especially when the engine is running.
Tools Required
Before starting the adjustment process, prepare these tools:
- 10 mm and 12 mm spanners
- Screwdriver set
- Allen key set
- Pliers
- Chain lubricant
- Clean cloth
- Motorcycle engine oil (10W-30 JASO MA2)
- Torque wrench (recommended)
Step-by-Step Hero Glamour Engine Gear Setting
Step 1 – Park the Motorcycle Properly
Place the motorcycle on its center stand.
Ensure the rear wheel rotates freely.
Turn the engine off before beginning the inspection.
Step 2 – Inspect the Clutch Cable
Most gear shifting problems begin with incorrect clutch adjustment.
Check the clutch lever free play.
The recommended free play for the Hero Glamour is 10–15 mm.
If the free play is too little:
- Clutch slips
- Power loss occurs
- Clutch plates wear quickly
If the free play is too much:
- Gear shifting becomes difficult
- Neutral becomes hard to find
- Grinding noise appears
Adjust the cable using the adjuster at the handlebar or engine side.
Step 3 – Adjust the Gear Shift Pedal
Sit on the motorcycle in your normal riding position.
Check whether your foot reaches the gear pedal comfortably.
If necessary:
- Loosen the gear lever pinch bolt.
- Remove the lever from the splined shaft.
- Rotate it slightly upward or downward.
- Reinstall and tighten the bolt securely.
The pedal should move freely without touching the engine cover or footrest.
Step 4 – Inspect the Gear Lever Return Spring
Press the gear pedal several times.
It should return quickly to its center position.
If the pedal sticks:
- Clean the pivot area.
- Remove dirt and rust.
- Apply grease or light engine oil.
Replace the return spring if damaged.
Step 5 – Check Engine Oil Condition
Engine oil lubricates:
- Clutch plates
- Gearbox
- Shift mechanism
- Bearings
Old engine oil causes heavy gear shifting.
Check:
- Oil level
- Oil color
- Burning smell
Replace old oil immediately if necessary.
Always use 10W-30 JASO MA2 motorcycle engine oil.
Step 6 – Inspect Drive Chain Tension
Incorrect chain adjustment directly affects transmission performance.
Recommended chain slack:
25–35 mm
If the chain is:
Too Tight
- Hard shifting
- Bearing stress
- Gear noise
Too Loose
- Jerky power delivery
- Chain noise
- Poor gear engagement
Adjust both chain adjusters equally.
Lubricate the chain after adjustment.
Step 7 – Inspect Gear Linkage
Check all linkage bolts.
Ensure:
- No excessive play
- No loose fasteners
- Smooth movement
Replace worn bushes if necessary.
Step 8 – Test Every Gear
Start the engine.
Shift through:
- First Gear
- Second Gear
- Third Gear
- Fourth Gear
- Fifth Gear
Every gear should engage smoothly.
No grinding noise should be heard.
Why Proper Gear Setting Is Important
Correct gear adjustment provides several advantages.
Smooth Gear Shifting
Every gear engages effortlessly.
Better Pickup
Power transfers efficiently from the engine to the rear wheel.
Longer Clutch Life
Proper adjustment reduces unnecessary clutch wear.
Improved Fuel Economy
The engine operates more efficiently.
Better Riding Comfort
Less effort is required during city traffic riding.
Common Causes of Gear Problems
Many riders assume gearbox damage immediately.
In reality, the most common causes are:
- Incorrect clutch adjustment
- Old engine oil
- Loose gear pedal
- Worn clutch plates
- Improper chain tension
- Bent gear lever
- Dry shift shaft
- Poor maintenance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes while adjusting the Hero Glamour transmission:
- Over-tightening the clutch cable
- Ignoring engine oil replacement
- Using car engine oil
- Riding with a loose chain
- Resting your foot on the gear pedal while riding
- Forcing gears aggressively
These habits reduce gearbox life significantly.
Maintenance Tips
To keep the transmission working smoothly:
- Change engine oil every 2,500–3,000 km
- Lubricate the chain regularly
- Maintain correct chain slack
- Inspect the clutch cable every service
- Keep the gear pedal clean
- Replace worn clutch plates on time
Routine maintenance prevents expensive gearbox repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my Hero Glamour difficult to shift into neutral?
Usually due to incorrect clutch cable adjustment, old engine oil, or excessive chain tension.
What is the correct clutch free play?
Approximately 10–15 mm at the clutch lever.
Can engine oil affect gear shifting?
Yes. Poor-quality or old engine oil causes clutch drag and hard shifting.
Why does my bike jump out of gear?
Possible causes include worn selector forks, damaged gear dogs, or weak detent springs.
How often should I lubricate the gear pedal?
Clean and lubricate the gear pedal pivot every 500–1,000 km, especially after riding in rain or Read also brake-repair-and-spark-plug-maintenancemuddy conditions.
Conclusion
A properly adjusted Hero Glamour engine gear system ensures smooth gear shifting, improved riding comfort, and longer transmission life. Most gear-related problems—such as hard shifting, false neutral, noisy engagement, or stiff gear lever operation—can be solved by correctly adjusting the clutch cable, setting the gear pedal position, maintaining proper chain tension, and using fresh motorcycle engine oil.
Regular inspection and preventive maintenance not only improve your riding experience but also protect expensive gearbox components from premature wear. By following the step-by-step procedures explained in this guide, you can keep your Hero Glamour performing like new while avoiding costly repairs in the future.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow Hero Glamour riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. For more professional bike repair guides, maintenance tutorials, and automotive tips, keep visiting Rajesh Technical Giyan. Ride safely, maintain your motorcycle regularly, and enjoy smooth performance on every journey.
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