First Gear Problem

[geneborg]

I have a 1980 LG Midnight Special with a first gear problem. And yes I am also searching the site. All other gears work fine but if I put it into first it will lock up and will then not come out of first with the bike running. I have to turn off the bike and rock it back and forth and take it out of first by hand. I have ridden it awhile starting off in second but do at times without thinking, go down into first. It does seem to go in and out of first when the bike is not running.
It is time to fix the problem. Some ideas please on what is causing the problem? I am hoping it is something that could be done with the engine in the bike or if not then with the engine out. But, hopefully we do not have to split the case. I have a sized (from rust) '81 Engine that I have taken all the transmission parts out of for parts, if needed. To remove all the parts I had to split the case and I am hoping I do not have to do that again. It is definitely easier knowing it does not have to go back together again.
All suggestions welcome and hopefully someone out there has had a similar problem.

[blue giant]

Sounds like a bent shift fork or problems with the shift drum and pins. There is a thread on here with pictures. Does not require engine removal but you might need a shift cover gasket when you done.

Here is some search results for you to read through.
http://www.xs11.com/forum/search.php?searchid=376285

Paul

[randy]

It's an outside shot, but have you tried a clutch adjustment?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Gene,

It does sound like a shift fork problem, because when it's in 1st, it will not move, hence more than one gear is being engaged, or not disengaged at the same time. The forks and gears on the countershaft can be removed without splitting the cases. There's a walk thru pictorial for doing the 1st and 2nd gear Dremel fix, and will show you how to access the parts to be able to inspect and replace parts if needed.

Going into the tranny involves removing the clutch, so if you haven't done so in several years, would highly suggest you replace the clutch springs while you're in there. Also, measure the frictions, if they are close to 2.80mm thick they are worn, closer to 3.00mm and they are in good condition, check the ones in your donor bike. See also the adding an extra steel clutch plate mod, depending on if you have noticed any slipping symptoms in the higher gears under heavy throttle.

You'll also need to pull the shift leverl cover off anyways, so like BlueGiant said, you could look there first, BUT if you can shift it back up out of first with the engine off, then I don't think you have any missing shift drum pins.

Look in the Tech tips, Repairs and Mods for the Dremmel and extra clutch plate fix!
T.C.