2nd Gear Fix on YouTube

[jetmechmarty]

By Andy's Motorcycle Obsessions

There's at least another one coming.

[IanDMacDonald]

Great links, Marty. Much easier to do on my 750.

[LenB]

Followed TopCat's tutorial : .https://xs11.club/forum/repairs/tran...part-1-2-and-3. Flipping the bike over was worth the effort - had gravity working WITH me and not AGAINST me. Still fussy to re-assemble but no problems with washer swap. Found a complete '81 Special trans with good needed parts. Also swapped the cam chain once the bike was upright again and pan off - much easier. 2 years ago now with no further problems.

[Radioguylogs]

Same as Len:

[Ccitis]

How common is this? What is the symptom? Last year while riding my new to me 80 Standard model, there was a few times It slipped into neutral from 2nd, or 1st.... I thought this was me shifting too light. I don't know if I want to hang onto an otherwise cheap bike if it is inevitable I have to turn it upside down one day!

[LAB3]

I don't know if I want to hang onto an otherwise cheap bike if it is inevitable I have to turn it upside down one day!

When it comes to old bikes there's a bit of standing rule that goes

Fast, cheap, reliable: pick any two!

It doesn't really matter which brand or model of old bike you choose there's bound to a quirk or two that are troublesome to sort out. In our case it's the ignition pickup wires breaking due the movement of the timing advance plate and this one, second gear needing attention.

On my 80 standard second gear hasn't been an issue and I have well over 50k miles on mine, it's common but not inevitable. I'll definitely have issues with shifting if I don't keep the clutch properly adjusted so you might want to be sure you're doing that properly.

Back to my original point, fast cheap reliable. If you're going to ride an old bike you're going to have to give it the attention it needs and if you're paying someone else to do that for you then you better ave a wel stocked wallet. On the other hand if you do your own work or are willing to try doing it then the XS11 is a great choice since parts are reasonably priced and easy to find.

It's your call, ride an old bike and get your hands dirty or get something newer with a higher up front cost. Personally I find keeping an old bike on the road at least as much rewarding as riding it. If you haven't already experienced it try seeing the reactions you get from people when they see your old bike while passing up the $20k newer ones as they walk over! It never fails to make me snicker when my old $1500 rice burner gets that kind of attention around the V-Twin crowd not to mention blowing past them as they putt-putt along like they're cultivating a field of turnips.

[LenB]

Can't agree with LAB3 more regarding clutch adjustment. Very Important to ensure full clutch disengagement between deliberate, calculated shifts - especially 1st/2nd. "Shifts like Russian tractor...." is the truth.

[jetmechmarty]

I also repaired mine upside down. Getting it there is a PITA. Fighting it the way Andy did is also a PITA. When I did mine, new gears were still available. Ccitis, Yamahas of this vintage are notorious for 2nd gear failure. XS650 being a notable exception.