Transmission Issues

[jwhicke]

Hi everybody,

My son and I are fixing up a 1980 XS11 and have gotten to the point where the engine will run well and we're trying to test drive it. When the back tire is off the ground and the engine is running we can shift to 1st gear and the back tire will spin at idle, but when the tire is in contact with the ground and we're in first gear the bike won't move at all, even when throttling up. When I let out the clutch in 1st gear, I can feel the bike lightly pull forward like it wants to move, but then it stops giving power to the wheel. I've tried to troubleshoot this for days; does anybody have any ideas what the issue might be? Thanks in advance for any help.

[Socer4m]

it sounds like the clutch is not engaging fully or at all,,,,,,,try adjust at the lever and the adjustment behing the right side cover,,if you dont know how just message here again for details,,,,,and also check the clutch cable if its unbroken, check when its pulled in and it is moving the lever under the clutch cover plate, right side. Keep us informed, how about a couple other xs gurus can also chime in.....Mike in San Diego and Pa.

[bikerphil]

What does it do in second or third gear? It's possible first gear is totally stripped out, hopefully not.

[DEEBS11]

Phil's call on first gear is a real possibility. And by shifting to second gear and trying to move will diagnose that issue. However, it sounds like the clutch plates could be slipping for some reason. Miss adjusted cable, incorrectly assembled pads/plates, or binding pressure plate would be the next places to look. Could also be a bent shift fork.

[cajun31]

Just thinking about this and the fact that these bikes can be shifted with no clutch at all, not a good way to shift but if the clutch was out can be done. With that said and what you are describing it is either a completely shot first gear or the clutch is constantly engaged. Other than that it would have to be something wrong with the gearing from the engine to the rear wheel. There are several points along the way that might be damaged or worn. Best way to tell is to go to Partzilla and look at the diagrams.

[jwhicke]

The clutch lever adjustment was the solution! Apparently the previous owner had screwed that thing ALL the way out and it didn't give the clutch cable enough room for the clutch plate to fully contact, but I loosened it all the way out and then tightened it just until it removed all the play in the lever action. Now the bike actually moves! I can't express my gratitude for this community enough. I'm not a mechanic at all and never worked on motorcycles, so a group of experts who will take time out of their day to help a total stranger out is beyond appreciated. Thanks!

[DEEBS11]

Glad you found the problem and it wasn't serious. However, do not take all the slack out of a clutch cable. The cable should have about 3 millimeters play before the cable catches or you could potentially burn your clutch out at heavy load.

[bikerphil]

Apparently the previous owner had screwed that thing ALL the way out and it didn't give the clutch cable enough room for the clutch plate to fully contact

Interesting, I wonder if the PO did that intentionally to keep the clutch plates from getting stuck during long term storage.

Anyway, glad you easily solved the problem.

[DiverRay]

If you still have problems, there is one more adjustment the MUST be correct.
On the clutch side of the engine, if you pull the cover with the two screws holding it, you will see the bottom of the clutch cable.
At the center of the arm the cable is connected to there is a screw with a lock nut.
Loosen the lock nut and turn the screw clockwise until you feel it stop on something. You do NOT need to put a lot of power into the turning.
Once it seems to have hit something, back it off 1/4 turn. Holding the screw in place, tighten the lock nut.
You now have the correct clearance for the pressure plate to clutch mechanism.