Hard to shift after warming up

Hello,
My '81 XJ550 got stuck and wouldn't shift at all a while back.
I took it to De Wayne Jones in Pomona and he worked on it. He said that it was not a broken spring, although I'm not sure what it WAS. After I got it back it was fine for a while, but now it gets very difficult to shift after it gets hot. In the morning it shifts just fine, but later in the day after it has been ridden it's very difficult to get it into the next gear as I ride and sometimes it will even pop out.
Has anyone else enjoyed this delightful phenomenon?

 

Hi Lowbot, welcome to the club. One thing to check on is your clutch adjustment, if you pull in the clutch (when hot) and put in gear, does it seem to jump forward? If you find the clutch drags, there is an adjustment at the clutch end.

 

Let's start with the condition, tension and state of lubrication of your DRIVE CHAIN.

Those are the classic symptoms of a loose or dry/gummy (in need of lube, in other words) drive chain, or a worn out chain and sprockets or a combination of all three.

A stiff clutch would improve when warm and be bitchy when cold. Although the clutch adjustment should be checked, it sounds like a different issue.

Questions:

-how many miles have YOU put on the bike?
-how often do you lube the chain, and with what?
-when was the last time you checked/adjusted the chain?
-when did you last check the chain and sprockets for wear? It's not something you can readily "see" there's a technique involved. If you're unfamiliar say so, and I'll post it.
-what oil are you running in the bike?

Answer those questions and I'll bet we can get you straightened out without another visit to De Wayne.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I have probably put less than 100 miles on the bike myself. My job is less than a mile away.
I haven't lubed the chain, but Mr. Jones lubed it (not sure with what) and adjusted it "as best he could". He did say that the sprockets were still okay, but that the chain needed to be replaced because it was stretched.
The oil that he put in after the clutch work was 20w-50, not sure which brand.

So perhaps my next step should be to put on a new chain this weekend and see if it makes a difference, I guess.

Thanks again!

 

Make sure you're getting all the "Throw" there is to get on the Clutch.
Read-over the Clutch Thread in my signature.

Run the right Oil for the Season.

Most importantly, ... DON'T get angry and Beat on the Shift Lever.
Lots of things can happen if you take-out frustrations on the Shift Lever.

All of 'em BAD!

 

Thanks Rick. I'll keep that in mind after the chain test.
I'm definitely not one to get mad and beat on the lever...there are at least SOME benefits to getting older, I guess! The 19 year old loud-truck-driving crooked-hat-wearing guy I bought it from almost certainly punished the clutch in fits of rage, however.

 

Always this.

 

If you're going to replace the chain, you need to replace both sprockets as well, or you'll just kill the new chain.

If the bike still has its original chain and sprockets at 28K miles, you're due (or overdue) for a new set.

Proper clutch throwout lever adjustment for a 550 is pictured toward the end of the clutch tutorial, here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29541.html

If he didn't use motorcycle specific 20W50, you might want to consider an oil change.

You're also going to need to pay attention to the condition (state of lube and tension) of your chain on an ongoing basis. It's part of owning a chain-driven motorcycle; it cannot be neglected.

 

Reads like clutch to me, i've had sloppy chains and sprockets before that didn't cause a problem with shifting gears..

 

It seems to on the 550s more than other bikes I've owned; maybe it's because the size differential between the sprockets is almost dirt-bike like.

When my 550 starts being "notchy" about shifting, especially when hot, it's usually telling me it needs its chain lubed. (Assuming a properly adjusted clutch tho.)

 

Where you located Lowbot? I am in Pomona. I have owned my 550 Seca since 86 so I have a lot of experience with these bikes. If you need help just let me know. I check in here at least once a day.

 

Cool, thanks! I'm in Claremont, so we're neighbors. I'll see how I do and check with you if I can't work it out. Really appreciate the offer.

 

This ended up being some part of the shift shaft assembly that had broken. DeWayne told me what part it was, but he was mumbling so I'm not sure what he said. Anyway, he welded it back together (mumbling: "not sure we could find that part, so I just welded it") and the bike has shifted like new ever since. Go figure.

 

If it breaks again, let me know. I am sure I have an extra.

 

wish this guy was MY neighbor!

glad you're back up and running.

I would still replace the chain/sprockets if i were you though.

 

Cool, thanks!

 

Yeah, I did replace the chain and sprockets. Quite a difference that makes. I also redid the back brake while I had the wheel off. Rebuilt my starter motor just for fun as well. It's in good shape now...until the next surprise comes along!