Cant shift into 2nd while accelerating

[Fearthepack]

79 xs1100F. I can shift into all gears at idle but increase rpms to 1500 all it does is grind when trying to go into second. Adjusted clutch but no change. Can downshift from 3rd with no problem. Acts like no sync from 1st to 2nd.

[crazy steve]

Sounds like the dreaded second gear problem... a pretty typical issue.

Here's the fix....

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5090

[motoman]

79 xs1100F. I can shift into all gears at idle but increase rpms to 1500 all it does is grind when trying to go into second. Adjusted clutch but no change. Can downshift from 3rd with no problem. Acts like no sync from 1st to 2nd.

+1 what Steve said............but first, U might pull the shift cover and check pawl alignment marks(when in second gear). Has nothing to do with second gear, just the procedure that's followed for correct alignment.

[Fearthepack]

But doesnt the 2nd gear fix refer to the bike popping out of 2nd gear not a problem getting into 2nd?

[CatatonicBug]

But doesnt the 2nd gear fix refer to the bike popping out of 2nd gear not a problem getting into 2nd?

Not necessarily. However, the fact that you can downshift into 2nd just fine makes me question the "dremel fix" diagnosis. The gears use the same dogs and slots regardless of which direction you are shifting from, so it should give you the same symptoms either direction.

One thing to remember is that there is no "Sync" in this transmission. Everything is moving all the time. That's why it shifts like a Russian Tractor. When you are shifting, you always have to let off the gas for a split second to drop the RPMs while pulling the clutch in (yes, you can "speed shift" without the clutch, but it's not recommended). Shift with conviction while the RPMs are dropped, and let off the clutch while giving it some gas.

[motoman]

Not necessarily. However, the fact that you can downshift into 2nd just fine makes me question the "dremel fix" diagnosis. The gears use the same dogs and slots regardless of which direction you are shifting from, so it should give you the same symptoms either direction.

+1 on questioning the dremel fix. Bug, they use the same dogs and slots........but decel pressures are on the opposite side of slots and dogs, so not the same in the sense you are referring to.

[Fearthepack]

While idling sitting in the garage can shift into 2nd just fine. Without moving i can increase the rpms to 1000 the grinding starts at 1500rpms no way its going into 2nd (acts like a car that grinds because you didnt push in the clutch) So whats moving faster at greater rpms that creates this condition?

[BA80]

It's not the rpms it's the power increase. The dogs on the second gear are rounded and can't take the extra force.

[Fearthepack]

So you are suggesting the dremel fix as the cure!

[BA80]

So you are suggesting the dremel fix as the cure!

That or replacing the gears..............expensive but the better way to go.

[Fearthepack]

Well I guess if you ask the question you have to be prepaired for answer. Thanks for the correct dirrection to move forward with.

[TopCatGr58]

Fearthepack,

I'm thinking "we're" not communicating effectively. From what I've read of your statements, it sounds like you're trying to shift the bike into 2nd gear while the bike is sitting on the centerstand going no where? Also not sure if you're trying to shift into 2nd with the rear wheel not moving?

Or, you're running the engine, letting the rear wheel spin and just trying to run thru the gears letting the wheel spin up? You mentioned being able to shift DOWN from 3rd which tells me you're able to get passed 2nd.

The second gear problem doesn't present as a gear grinding affect getting INTO the gear, just a popping or skipping sound and feel trying to put any load on it once you are IN 2nd gear.

Some PO's learned that they could hold their foot/gear shift lever UP to keep 2nd gear engaged, but this causes excessive wear on the shift forks, could have either BENT the shift for, which then could be causing the grinding problem by not disengaging 1st before trying to shift 2nd into mesh???

From your last post, after rereading it, you HAVE shifted into 2nd, but with the increased load of the rpms, it is popping/skipping out of engagement due to the severely rounded off dogs/slots of 2nd gear. I encountered an XJ with the 1st gear dogs so worn that anything above idle would cause it to pop out so much, it sounded like a machine gun going off!

Read thru the tech tip on the 1st and 2nd gear Dremel fix...would highly suggest you work on all of them while you're in there, sounds like the PO beat on it pretty good!

T.C.

[Rasputin]

I have to ask if it sounds similar to this. Click on the pic to see video with sound.

[Fearthepack]

Rasputin, thats me baby exactly. Sooooooooooo?

[Rasputin]

Second gear fix is in your immediate future. That is the dogs so rounded that it will not accept second gear with no load.