Hey guys!
Rookie mechanic here, looking for ideas. My bike idles, swaps from neutral to first and back, but it doesn't appear to shift into any higher gears past that. I was able to ride it around in first, but when I try to shift up into additional gears it doesn't feel as though it's doing anything. Any ideas on where to start?
Of note, it also flipped on the oil light at the end of the ride. I replaced the oil/filter prior to testing the bike out as I bought it as a project and have done extensive work to it over the last month, so I'm giving it the full treatment before I expect it to be truly ready. My best guess is prior to me purchasing it the bike sat for a year or so.
Work done so far:
- Rebuilt/tuned the carburetor (TJBC kit)
- Installed velocity stack
- Installed Max Fuel Kit
- Replaced T-bar (TJBC)
- Replaced stock exhaust with TJBC Backdrafts
- Replaced grips/pegs with TJBC Blackouts
- Oil/Filter change
@Tree Not First off please do not ride the bike anymore Red oil light indicates oil pressure not just the oil level.
If the light came on when The bike turned off but the key was still on that's normal if the light came on while it was running that needs immediate attention.
With the engine off check the oil level with the bike upright on level ground using the dipstick Also look for leaks if the level is correct but the light stayed on while running you need to do an oil pressure check with a mechanical Gage before running the bike anymore causes for this could be an oil pressure switch fault an oil pump or pickup problem or some internal wear.
The shifting issue and oil light issue could very well be separate issues low oil or lubrication failure can absolutely contribute to mechanical trouble but the two symptoms alone don't establish a true connection
As far as the shifting issue is concerned I would check the shifters travel and return action first before assuming a transmission is damaged. Check the shifter for binding or obstructed linkage a bent lever a seized pivot a sloppy spline connection or the linkage even hitting the engine frame or foot pegs or something can definitely prevent enough travel to select another gear especially with aftermarket forward controls if those are present.
Next thing is the shifter not returning to center after selecting first gear that pedal has to reset before the next shift if it stays down or feels floppy I'd suspect binding or damage or dislodged gear shift return spring.
Next thing could be the clutch dragging if it shifts with the engine off but refuses it with with the engine running check your clutch cable adjustment and disengagement. if the bike is creeping forward with the clutch pulled in that symptom supports this possibility.
The final thing would be an internal selector issue a damaged shift spindle the selector mechanism or the drum stopper can prevent gear changes shift fork or drum damage is also possible Pretty rare but possible honda service manual does identify the spindle return spring forks and drum as relevant inspection points
Here's what I do with the engine off pull the clutch in gently roll the bike forward and backward and try lifting the shifter A stationary motorcycle transmission sometimes won't select the next gear until the gears move slightly Let the pedal return fully between attempts but do not force it.
if the bike still won't shift while rolling check Weather the pedal springs back to its neutral resting position and whether the linkage actually turns the shaft going into the transmission,
J Is this happening while you're riding or only sitting still and as the shift pedal move upward normally feel like it's blocked or maybe move loosely without a click?
TJ Admin Staff memberModeratorMember who has the rights to delete posts, and ban members form forum if they violate the rules.