can't shift into 2nd gear

[cafe rat]

So the other day I get going down the road and had some trouble shifting. After messing with it for a few minutes on the side of the road, I was able to get it into 1st and neutral but haven't been able to shift to 2nd ever since. I did a search and found this thread--> http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=8199.0 so I checked to see if the circlip on my shifter rod was missing. It was, so I replaced it but I still can't shift into 2nd. Any ideas on what I should check next?

 

[VonYinzer]

What bike?

 

[cafe rat]

sorry, 68 cb450

 

[djelliott]

Sounds like a clutch adjustment issue. Do you have a service manual with the proper procedure for adjusting it? That or your disks might be sticking together.

 

[cafe rat]

I've also had issues with downshifting ever since I got the bike running. Anytime I would get off the interstate, I would have to pull off the road and bump the gearshift lever up and down a few times before I could get it to go down to 2nd and 1st. I've tried adjusting the cable but it hasn't helped.

 

[VonYinzer]

Like Dj said... Pull the clutch basket and inspect the disks. Make sure everything is within spec.

 

[HerrDeacon]

Could also be the shift stopper (not sure of exact name, basically arm that rides on the star shaped shift plate that's attached to the shift drum). On the 450's, and other older Honda's, the hole in this stopper, where the rivet goes through, goes out of round and makes it hard to shift. Problem is these stoppers are hard to come-by these days.

 

[unionkane]

I had this issue once and had to either push the shift rod in or pull it out a little bit and it worked. i got lucky mine was just off a little bit. I'd mess with that and then get into the clutch.

 

[djelliott]

I guys it should be ask, have you had it apart anytime lately?

 

[cafe rat]

nope, not since its been in my possession.

thanks for the replies. I'll see what I can find out.

 

[cafe rat]

found out the problem. the part under the shift drum has been bent to hell and back. not sure how this happened but Im thinkin it might be because the clip on the other end of the spindle was missing which allowed it to move to places it shouldn't.

 

[teazer]

That looks slightly non-standard. Try and pick up a replacement.