Motorcycle Transmission Problem

[JimmyDee]

I ride a 1999 Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan that I have put 4000 of the 7500 miles on it. Not a hot rodder. 2 days ago it slipped out of 1st gear for just an instant and clunk right back in. It did it only twice and didn't think much of it until tonight. Popped out and right back in with a clunk about 4 times on the way home on a 4 mile trip.
My question is, does anyone know what it could be and what the damages might be to repair? A simple adjustment or more than the bike is worth to repair? Tranny seems solid except for that and no noise of any kind besides the clunk when it slams back in.
Jim

 

[95_stroker]

Check the linkage for adjustment, you might not be getting the full throw when you drop it in gear.

 

[Zookie400]

sounds like the cases need to come apart, and you will probably find a ground up or broken synchronizer.

 

[JimmyDee]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping for an adjustment but I fear it is worse. Now to find an honest shop. I think I'll leave this one for the pro's.
Jim

 

[Zookie400]

on second thought it could be something like a broken spring, or a spring that fell off the shift pin, even so the cases need to be split.
its never fun, ive had to split cases the night before a race to fix things like that.
good luck!

 

[JimmyDee]

I've got all winter. Might just give it a try myself. I have a friend that could bail me out if I run into too much problem.
Jim

 

[95_stroker]

If you do decide to jump into it yourself keep us updated Jim, I'd be interested to find out what happened.

 

[Zookie400]

honestly its not as hard as it seems, especially if you have a freind who can bail you out! a book always helps too.

 

[bushpilot]

there are no SPRINGS inside a motorcycle transmission...the only spring
used is the shifter return spring...if that breaks, in most situations, you
will NOT be able to shift at all....at best youd be only to shift by pushing
the selector back to the neutral <shift> postion.

you could have one of several problems...bend shift fork(s), work dogs
on the slider gear(s), or a work shift drum.

i SUSPECT the 1st gear shift forks has been bent (earlier) preventing
a COMPLETE seating & selecting of 1st gear...which WORE the dogs
on the sliding gear...

POTENTALLY youve also worn the shift drum which is contributing to
the issue.

if you dont understand the parts mentioned above...DONT go into the
tranny...at least now w/ someone PRESENT...you can look over photos
on the web to better understand these parts...but im STILL not sure
id recommend you going into the tranny (depending on your mechanical
skill level)

 

[Zookie400]

there are no SPRINGS inside a motorcycle transmission...the only spring
used is the shifter return spring

THATS NOT ENTIRELY TRUE............i dont know about this particular transmission, but if it has a shift pin with the return spring then yes, thats the only one and you will only be able to shift by returning the shifter manually. however there is other styles of shifting mechanisms that have been used, like the way my honda is set up inside with detent springs that push the fork that last tiny bit to fully engage when you let off the shifter. another style i have seen uses heavy springs to pull on the cog/drum rather than solid linkage. these can break or stretch and cause all sorts of funny problems.