1st gear...klunk,klunk,klunk,slip...'79 sf

[CJPetersen2000]

As the post reads, this is what my '79 sf with 13,000 mi. is doing when I try to start out in first. I rode it a few times after I got her running (after it sat at a friends house for 8 years abandoned and un loved) starting out in second...all other gears are fine also. I'm prepared to pull the motor and dive into fixing the tranny. I just wanted to know if there is something else to check before I do this, and from my description what is my issue here? Thanks! Charley.

[3Phase]

Links and Info

Welcome to the forums, Charley!

If it's skipping in 1st gear then the 1st gear slots and 4th gear dogs are worn and there's not enough surface area left to stay engaged. It can bend the shift fork too and the gears can't engage correctly even if they're repaired or replaced. When you're riding it sounds and feels like a small machine gun.

You don't have to pull the engine to fix the transmission, you can do it on the center stand. Pulling the engine does make it easier to work on the transmission but depending on how far you go into it, may add other complications.

From the XS11 site dropdown menu:-
XS11 Info | Tech Tips | Repairs | Transmission

From the Forum:-
XS11.com | Forums | Repairs | Transmission


General Info:-
Buying a used motorcycle

What to look for on a neglected XS/XJ 1100
by Gary Granger

[CJPetersen2000]

Thank you Scott! I'm going out to the shop to rip into this now that I understand what the problem(s) might be. I haven't decided if I'm gonna flip her over or pull the motor...probably pull it out.

[CJPetersen2000]

Okay I just got done doing the "dremel fix" to my gears, and I did the second gear washer/clip move( I did the flip the bike on it's back method) All thats left to do is, put on the exhaust, flip it back over and the battery, oil and ect,ect. Heres my next question...when I removed the oil pan I found what looks like a small roller stuck in the gooey crap does anyone know what this might be? I thought maybe a starter clutch roller...but I've never seen one so I'm not sure I hope I can get the picture to load. I want to thank TC for that excellent easy to follow trans fix thread...hope it works!

[motoman]

Okay I just got done doing the "dremel fix" to my gears, and I did the second gear washer/clip move( I did the flip the bike on it's back method) All thats left to do is, put on the exhaust, flip it back over and the battery, oil and ect,ect. Heres my next question...when I removed the oil pan I found what looks like a small roller stuck in the gooey crap does anyone know what this might be? I thought maybe a starter clutch roller...but I've never seen one so I'm not sure I hope I can get the picture to load. I want to thank TC for that excellent easy to follow trans fix thread...hope it works!

Likely just one of the pins that had fallen out of the shift mechanisim at some point in bikes life. I presume all three of those pins are in place and the washer with the retaining ears is all good with no bent ears on it?

[Barbarosa]

Dowel from the shift cam fork maybe.

[donebysunday]

Wisconsin

Hi CJ,
That star washer that holds the shift pins in place must have been it bent from trying to force it to stay in gear. This allowed the pin/s to move out of their respective index or fall out. I've heard of making a star washer but still you need to have one that's in shape to take measurements. Straightening could break off the fingers or crack them where they make the bend. I wonder if a little tig weld bead could be applied to strengthen the fingers ? I had one that I carefully straightened and I still see the guy I sold it to and it's been fine for a couple years.
Once you have it all back together and it's working right you might try doing what I do to keep it from happening again. On cold start up or if sitting during our beautiful Wisconsin winters, start it and warm it in neutral. Once warm turn it off put it in gear and start it (you'll see right away why !) the clutch may have the friction discs stuck , this will make the bike lurch so use the front brake to keep it in place.
There are other ways to free the clutch, please don't jump on the shift lever to jam it in gear you'll be back in the same shape you just fixed after a while.
Nice to see another Wisconsin guy !
Welcome aboard !

Okay I just got done doing the "dremel fix" to my gears, and I did the second gear washer/clip move( I did the flip the bike on it's back method) All thats left to do is, put on the exhaust, flip it back over and the battery, oil and ect,ect. Heres my next question...when I removed the oil pan I found what looks like a small roller stuck in the gooey crap does anyone know what this might be? I thought maybe a starter clutch roller...but I've never seen one so I'm not sure I hope I can get the picture to load. I want to thank TC for that excellent easy to follow trans fix thread...hope it works!

[CJPetersen2000]

Thanks all! This (slug) is the diameter of a pencil and about as tall! Looks like a small watch battery...but isn't. I tried to post a picture without success , maybe I can tonight. Thanks again and for the welcomes, I did join a year ago but havnt been too active.. I bought a new KLR last april and mainly rode that or my FJ. This year I plan on some miles on this beauty! Charley

[donebysunday]

Slug ?

Thanks all! This (slug) is the diameter of a pencil and about as tall! Looks like a small watch battery...but isn't. I tried to post a picture without success , maybe I can tonight. Thanks again and for the welcomes, I did join a year ago but havnt been too active.. I bought a new KLR last april and mainly rode that or my FJ. This year I plan on some miles on this beauty! Charley

Now you've done it, gotta see pics of this !!!!!
Upload a photo to photo bucket and then use the links on the right side of the screen to post where you choose. Just copy the link for where you want ot post it and paste paste it into your post or email or ? read the links description to see which one to copy.

[donebysunday]

Slug ?

here is a pic of that slug he found in the oil pan

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...psivonwtzt.jpg



I don't remember one this short

[DiverRay]

I think that may have come off a cover, locating pin? I'm at work, so can't check the manual for a parts blow-up....

[Radioguylogs]

Maybe.....

The cover locating dowels are hollow.

I think it looks like it came off of a shift fork

[donebysunday]

# 10

Could it be number 10 on this boats.net schematic

https://tinyurl.com/j8o94up?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Done,

That looks plausible..but only if he took the shift drum OUT?

The other thing it looks similar to is one of the 3 pinch rollers for the starter clutch, but they shouldn't be able to come loose/out on their own??

T.C.

[CJPetersen2000]

I'm sure it's neither a fork locator pin or cover dowel...it's too small and it's not hollow.I didn't take out the shift drum and it had never been apart before this. It's a mystery...so far. so # 10... I dunno.