81 XS1100 special shifter

[tonka1wlf]

Just got my bike back 2 mnths ago from my dad,cause i needed money,cleaned her all up an rode around locally an everything was working great,cept for decel backfire,witch i don't like.
Changed oil an took off on a 460 mile run 2weeks ago and the last leg of the ride shifter had no tension? could shift up but only once down no more tension to bring shifter up to shift back down. Never had a shifter do this to me. ? Can i still ride safely untill i can find out what or how to fix? An is it true or not that i will have to pull motor to fix it?

[dewibp]

Do a search for shifter fork as I just read something about a spring that is suppose to bring the shifter lever back up. Sounds like it is either broke or somehow came lose. Not that bad of a job to remove the side cover to determine what repairs are needed. I've got some extra ones laying around if in deed this is your problem. In an emergency you could ride it but you will not be able to go very fast as you will over rev (in my opinion) the engine.

[mitch]

hERES YOUR FIX

CHECK THIS OUT
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...&threadid=2785 YES YOU CAN DRIVE IT YOU JUST HAVE TO SHIFT WITH OUT THE SPRING RETURNING IT TO CENTER
DOUG

[dewibp]

Yup Mitch, thats the one!

[mro]

An is it true or not that i will have to pull motor to fix it?

No need to pull engine to remove shift cover.
May need drain oil and to drop exhaust that side to get to lower alen bolts. (I've managed to get it off without doing either but would have been easier)


mro

[dewibp]

Make sure you line up the marks on the teeth (clearly seen in the picture) or it won't shift at all when back together. Tough lesson to learn but I am much wiser now....

[tonka1wlf]

Thanks alot for the feedback guys I,ll let you all know what i find an give report. Also thnks for pics, they really help

[DeanR]

I replaced that spring a few months ago, using Ken's pictures. Easy fix for missed downshifts.

As usual, thanks Ken for the great pics!