Step by step guide to adjusting a Honda CBR650F gear lever. Probably works on other bikes too.

1) Get your tools together:

You'll need:
a) 10mm open ended spanner [in Honda tool kit in UK]
b) 12mm open ended spanner [in Honda tool kit in UK]
c) Something to use as a measuring stick (and something to mark on it - pen, pencil etc.)

2) Look at your working area on the bike.

NOTE: You do not need to (and should NOT) adjust the pinch bolt for this. You only need to worry about the rubber booted ends of the link rod.

3) Roll back the rubber boots at both ends to reveal the square edges on the elbows. You need to use the 12mm spanner on these to prevent damage to the ball joints.

4) Using the 10mm and 12mm spanners, loosen the lock nut on both ends. Remember - righty, tighty - lefty, loosey!

5) Adjust the lever position by twisting the connecting rod only. (left hand picture). To see how much you have moved the lever (I recommend you start by moving it 5mm down and try from there), use the ruler and mark the factory position of the lever (right hand picture).

When you're done, retighten both the locks nuts using the spanners. Be gentle - these aren't load bearing nuts - they just need to be tight enough that they don't vibrate loose whilst riding.

Roll the rubber boots back into position, covering the square ends of the elbows.

Go test ride it!

This is so simple and quick to do, take the spanners with you and test, ride, adjust, test, ride, adjust etc. whilst you are out until you are happy. It's 2 minutes on the roadside once you've done it a couple of times!

You will probably need to do this everytime you buy new boots, as they will have a different profile to them - remember this.

Finally, welcome to the land of smooth gearshifts and no false neutrals!!

Ride safe.