transmission shift problems-newbie

[ricks1100]

i just got a 1978 xs1100
major problem is that its stuck in first gear
the clutch seems to work cause i pull it in and the wheel stops spinning on the center stand.
new to these bikes.
the shifter does spring back when pushed
but no change is felt on the tranny
help i wanna ride!
bike was sitting for a while but starts up fine and runs smooth otherwise.
thanks
rick

[randy]

ricks1100;

You may have a broken shift lever or the pins on the shift drum fell out. Either way you'll need to remove the shift cover to investigate.

[mro]

remove the shift cover to investigate

Check shift shaft alignment.
Have checked several and have NOT found em out of adjustment. Could be your problem but most likely as randy says.


mro
btw
welcome to XSland

[ricks1100]

shift problems

i took off the shifter cover
and found that the sector gear
attached to the shift shaft cracked and laying in the cover.
i still can't get the bike into nuetral
if i move the other gear it only shifts to three locations one down and two up if i hold the clutch in and crank to kick starter the rear wheel moves.
i don't know if changing the shift shaft gear/
shift shaft and bolting it back together will fix the problem or will i have to dig into the tranny. the bike ran fine about 6 months ago
then when started about a month ago
the shifter broke. if i bolt everything back together do you think the bike just needs to be running to change gears easily or is ther another problem
thanks any info will help
rick

[Goin Commando]

With the bike on the center stand, can you turn the shift drum if you move/rotate the rear wheel by hand?

[ricks1100]

shifter

yeah i can turn the drum its pretty stiff though
do these bikes not like to shift when cold?
i have to pul in the clutch lever and there is a lot of tension on the rear wheel. do you think the clutch needs adjustment?

[Goin Commando]

I know that they dont like to shift very easy while not running. And yes there will be some drag while rotating the rear wheel, in gear, while holding in the clutch.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Ricks,

How about editting your profile and listing WHERE you are, there are plenty of us all around the country, you might be able to find a fellow Xsive in your neighborhood that could provide some on hand assistance, someone who knows what these machines feel like, etc.?!

T.C.