1st and 2nd gear problems

So the problem im having is the classic 2nd gear popping out but also 1st gear issues. ONLY when hard on the throttle in 1st gear i get to about 5 grandish and it feels like a gear skip momentarily and keeps on goin normal, then maybe at 7 grandish it'll do it again. So its only in 1st gear when really hard on the throttle that this happens. So i tore the thing apart to do the 2nd gear fix with a dremel, also grinding 4th gear to better mesh with 1st. In my tear down everything looks fine other than slight wear on the gear dogs/reciever slots. Any ideas or is grinding the slots/dogs on 4th and 1st gears gonna take care of this issue? Thanx,
Matt

 

I have always thought that the sharpening of the dogs method was a little "Iffy".

If you successfully cut-down the dogs and you "Seem" to be losing First, ... what might be happening is your Clutch might be slipping.

If you got BOTH 1st and 2nd Gear problems after determining its not the Clutch, ... you might be needing New Gears or a Lower-end transplant.

 

I'd do the washer swap while i'm in there aswell.
Well documented on www.xs11.com I've done this on 2 XS1100 engines without undercutting the dogs and have had no problems since.
:idea:

 

Sure sounds like it to me from the symptoms; gears don't generally jump out then "back in" multiple times up through the rev range.

A 30-year old clutch trying to properly transmit power from an 1100cc motor might just have some difficulties doing so...

What you're describing is a slipping clutch, unless it was accompanied by a lot of banging and grinding.

 

That makes sense that it is a clutch issue. I replaced the friction plates just recently, but didn't touch the steel plates or the springs. You guys think the 30 year old springs are too soft? Maybe sand the burrs off the steel plates and get new springs?

 

When the gears slip It's a violent thing that jerks the bike and is over in half a second
And you think holy shit what was that.
Clutch slip can last a long time if you don't back off the gas, a smooth thing, no real jerk or bang . More like something doesn't feel right.
And yes your clutch springs are shot.

 

NEW SPRINGS! that's a requirement on clutch work!

 

Ok, new springs is what I'll do. Any suggestions about stiffer springs? If so how bout part number ? Thanx.

 

Ok, new springs is what I'll do. Any suggestions about stiffer springs? If so how bout part number ? Thanx.