shifter won't reset (click)

My shifter is ok from 1st to 2nd and vice versa but when I go to 3rd I have to tap the shifter down slightly to get it to reset then I can shift up to 3rd same for 4th and 5th.I was gonna try some full synthetic oil to see if that would make shifting better.

82 maxim 650

 

have a look at your shifter lever, I had a similar problem when I first got my bike, my fix was bending the lever out a little cause the p.o had dropped the bike and it was rubbing on the side of the bike.

 

Do not use synthetic, it will cause your clutch to slip and ruin the clutch disks. These bikes were not made to tolerate synthetic oils.

 

+1 on not using synthetic (see the link in my signature).

+1 on checking the shift lever for contact with the case.

I will also suggest that you need to pull the shift lever off, remove the shift cover, and inspect the shifting mechanism for a broken return spring.

 

I've used full synthetic in every bike I have owned, it will not cause your clutch to slip or ruin your clutch discs if you use the RIGHT synthetic oil

Full synthetic "may" make it shift easier but I'd be checking everything else I could first

 

Oils that are suitable for wet-clutch motorcycles are a fairly new thing. All other synthetics do cause clutch slippage, as well as starter clutch slippage, on wet clutch motorcycles (particularly on the XS and XJ family). Much of the talk about needing to shy away from synthetics comes down to the practice of using qutomotive engine oil (which was perfectly fine to do prior to the energy conserving friction modifiers that began to be added to auto oil in the mid 90's).

Besides.....oil isn't the cause of the OP's problem.

 

I just thought synthetic oil, because we use to put Redline 20/50 in for smoother shifting.
Long ago. Like the mid eighties.
Never noticed any clutch slippage though. I did drain the oil/gas mixture out when I noticed gas in the oil from bad float valves before it was stored for 10 years. I have a Barnett clutch waiting to go in. So, we'll see how it goes. I already noticed the shifter was rubbing on the exhaust wrap and bent it outward but still same issue.

Thanks all

 

Have you checked for a broken spring yet?

 

Dang, engine is all painted up and sealed and everything.

X(

 

Bummer. Seriously though, unless your clutch needs adjusting, you need to pop the shifter cover and have a peek at the "mousetrap" as pictured above.

The choice of oil should have no effect on shifting unless you're not using the proper oil for the bike. I use a semi-synthetic JASO-spec (motorcycle oil) and haven't had any clutch or starter clutch issues as a result.

That being said, your choice of oil CAN affect a slightly-maladjusted clutch.

But based on your symptom, I'd definitely have a peek at the mousetrap. Plus you can look through that hole (in the inner case, just above the shifter drum) and be sure there isn't a chunk of primary chain guide bouncing around on top of the shift forks.

 

Well, I do have o-rings coming for the oil filter housing and washer for the drain plug. They both leak. I'll check it out then. The clutch does engage late in the lever travel. I'll try the adjustment too.

Thanks

'79 Kawasaki LTD 440 gone
'85 Suzuki GS 550 ES gone
'87 Suzuki GS 750 E gone
'80 Honda CB750F SS waiting
'82 Yamaha XJ 650 J current build
'08 Qlink Pegasus 150 gone
'80 Vespa P 200 E current ride

 

Rick has a good adjusting thread

 

shifts great now, I did a clutch adjustment a while back and that took care of the high rev slippage. I think the main problem was just the amount of time the bike was sitting. Probably corroded around the shift shaft seal.
Did I mention it shifts great now?!