first Gear

[deo]

Gotta question,

I just got the news from the shop that has my bike. They said that the first gear is not working. I have all the rest and can start out in second but will it damage the bike to run this summer without first? Is it normal for the first gear to go out? I have followed 2nd gear threads but have not seen first gear issues.

Everything else is looking really good. I believe that I am going to be able to ride this week.

deo

[MartyA]

Other than a little clutch slipping, shouldn't hurt. Starting on an uphill might be a little interesting at first.

What do they mean by "...not working..."? Missing gear? Bent fork? Just curious.

[fusionking]

Maybe they just rode it one time and just wasn't used to it! Have you ever rode it? Do they know it only has 5 gears? IMHO a lot of guys working at bike shops are only there 'cause they can be, not 'cause they know a lot! Why is the bike there in the first place? I know, 'lotta questions but I'm sure sick and tired of hearing about our people gettin' screwed on a regular basis by the "Pro's". If 1st gear is really out then you really need to know why. You wouldn't want to ride it with parts and pieces of who knows what bouncin' around in there and breaking who knows what else. You at least gotta' check it out and get the loose stuff out. (If there really is anything to it) Like I said IMHO. Garry

[deo]

The shop said that it wouldn't engage all of the time. I guess it means something like big noise if I try and no noise if I don't.

I am going to the shop to see exactly what they mean by this.

deo

[TopCatGr58]

Where's First Gear?

Hey there Dave(DEO),

Yes, First gear can develop the same malady as the other well known 2nd gear problem, popping in and out when you put it into gear, the dogs and slots not holding together. I have done the Dremmel fix on both mine and a friends XJ, both had the 1st gear problem, and seems to be holding up just fine. Depending on how much $$ you want to put into it, you can either get a replacement gear set, 1st and the middle driven gear, might as well get 2nd and 5th while you're at it since you'll have the gears out anyways!? Or you can do the Dremmel fix for a few bucks, provided you have a Dremmel, will need a few grinding bits, and the gaskets of course for the clutch housing, tranny case, gear shift case, and replacement oil.

You're welcome to contact me offline, we could set up a weekend where you could drive down a Friday night, we could do the fix Saturday and you could either drive it home Saturday night, or wait till Sunday!? I've even got a spare bedroom you can stay in, so you won't have to pay for a hotel!!

[sixtysix]

I have a trans out on the bench that had this problem...TC is right. The forks were worn right off due to the PO tring to hold the gear shifter down in first.

[Jean Luc]

My XJ had a first gear that was unusable when I first got it. I drove it for a few months starting out in second, until I got brave enough to attempt a repair.

The good news is the fix is more time consuming than hard. Make sure you read all the tech tips on the XS/XJ transmission and you will be fine. If things are severely FUBARed, watch ebay, I see transmissions for sale from time to time.

If you take TopCat up on his offer, you will have no problems, as he is the transmission guru.

Feel free to contact me if you need any questions answered.