problems

[davidavs68]

Hi evreyone,I am new to this site and to motorcycles.Love this site,alot of good info here.The problem I have is I got a really good deal on a 82 xj100 runs well shifts 2nd to 5th,you go to put in in 1st and it stalls.The bike has 34,000 miles on it.Any info would greatly be appreciated to a newbie,thanks Dave.

[dragxs11]

Sounds like theres something wrong with your clutch. Either it's not adjusted right, or it's not getting enough oil.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Dave,

Welcome! Now don't be afraid to post MORE DESCRIPTIVE info.

Okay, Are you able to start it in neutral, but when you shift into 1st, the engine dies? You say stall, but do you mean DIE?

So, you start it in neutral, and shift it into 2nd and take off from there?

Once running and moving, if you downshift into 1st while still moving, does it DIE?

The XJ has some fancier wiring than the XS's, several safety features, like ignition lockouts if the clutch isn't pulled, or if it's in gear and the sidestand is down. The sidestand switch is one of the most common problems, causing folks to be able start the bike, but when shifting into 1st, it dies cause it thinks the sidestand is still down?

Jerry our resident XJ GURU might be able to diagnose your symptoms better, but it's helpful to have MORE INFO!?
T.C.

[TopCatGr58]

PS.

Was just wondering if what you may be calling stalling, is actually stuttering or jumping out of gear?! For some reason, I've found the XJ's loose their first gear quicker than 2nd, for the same reason, rounding off of the dogs and slots on the gears.

I worked on one XJ that was so bad, only letting the clutch out in idle would it allow it to move without popping out of gear, any throttle input and it would rattle/chatter like a machine gun!

Check out the tech tips from the MAIN FORUM PAGE< the 1st/2nd gear dremmel fix, you'll find what you need to fix it, IF that's the problem!
T.C.

[davidavs68]

xj100

Hey guys thanks for the repleys.It does die when you shift into 1st.I will start it in neutral and shift into 1st and it will die.I did read about the side stand switch on here,so i will check there first.I don't know alot about motorcycles as far as the 1st gear fix with a dremmelbut i will check into it on here.I did adjust the clutch when I first got it,but I will double check.I think with this website and all of your guys knowledge I will be fine,thanks Dave.

[davidavs68]

xj1100

Hey guys I forgot to add that while riding you can't shift into 1st,it only goes into 1st when not running,real hard shift,thanks Dave.

[TopCatGr58]

Dave,

It's a bit tough to diagnose long distance. If you'll go to the Member's Forum, and do a search for Colorado, you'll find a thread about posting member's contact info, and you may also find some other Xsives that are near you that could provide some very helpful ON HANDS help!?

Not being able to downshift into 1st with the engine running doesn't sound good! But, could be just a broken pin on the shift drum.

You say you adjusted the clutch, but are you talking about just at the handlebar? There is a different technique described in the TECH TIPS from the MAIN FORUM PAGE, not the Yellow Column link, that may provide you with the proper adjustment!?
T.C.

[The Lorax]

Could be a bent shift fork. I had one of those. it finally broke and locked up the trans. just as well, what I didn't know was I has a royal mess in my engine/Trans. a complete rebuild later...I'm happy. oh yea, I didn't crash when the shift fork broke, I was only going 5 -10 mph, I just stopped REAL fast.