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I just got back from test riding my future motorcycle. A 1982 xj1100 maxim. It needs some TLC but for the most part it seems mechanically sound. The problem is this, the soon too be past owner stongly advised me against using first gear. He seemed to think that the clutch has a problem and is real noisy and hard to shift from first once there. I have never owned a shaft drive motorcycle before, so it is hard to determine if it actually a combination of old cluch plates/cables or if it is the transmission problem as described in the repair section of this website. Note: this motorcycle has 31000 miles on the odometer and that jives with the title. It seems like a small amount of milage for a tranny problem, but the bike is an 82. Any thoughts or direction would be greatly appriciated.
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Current Rides: '82 XJ w/Jardine 4-1's, GIVI flyscreen, '97 Triumph Trophy 1200
Former Rides: '71 CB350, '78 400 Hawk, '75 CB550/4;
while in Japan: '86 KLR250, '86 VT250Z, '86 XL600R, '82 CB450(Hawk II), '96 750 Nighthawk, '96 BMW F650 -
If the clutch is out to lunch it will be out to lunch in all gears when it's break away point is reached. If you can't use 1st gear it is not likely just a clutch thing. Test drive it again and confirm that 1st gear will stay engaged to the red line. If it's first gear popping out the bike will suddenly loose forward momentum and the engine RPM will jump sharply. You would then have to ether find 2nd gear or re-engage 1st gear. If the bike just lurches it's the clutch.
RobKEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN
1978 XS1100E Modified
1978 XS500E
1979 XS1100F Restored
1980 XS1100 SG
1981 Suzuki GS1100
1983 Suzuki GS750S Katana
1983 Honda CB900 Custom -
Thanks Rob! I'll give the bike another ride. I am looking foward to being back on two wheels again. I had to leave my last bike in Japan. Non U.S. specs.Current Rides: '82 XJ w/Jardine 4-1's, GIVI flyscreen, '97 Triumph Trophy 1200
Former Rides: '71 CB350, '78 400 Hawk, '75 CB550/4;
while in Japan: '86 KLR250, '86 VT250Z, '86 XL600R, '82 CB450(Hawk II), '96 750 Nighthawk, '96 BMW F650Comment
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Hey there Barberad,
For some reason the later models, ie 81 and 82 XJ's seem to loose their 1st gear first, even though the history of this problem is the 2nd gear!
If it gives you a ratchetting kind of sound, and pops out and back into 1st gear, then it's the 2nd/1st gear worn dogs/slots problem! If it's just a matter of the clutch slipping, then the engine will just rev higher but your forward momentum will feel no faster, but it will be relatively smooth, no jerking/popping, etc.!
As you've found, it can be fixed, but does involve some moderate mechanical experience! Might help you get the price down!
T.C.T. C. Gresham
81SH "Godzilla" . . .1179cc super-rat.
79SF "The Teacher" . . .basket case!
History shows again and again,
How nature points out the folly of men!Comment
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