shifting issues on my 82 xj550 maxim

hey everyone!
So I recently bought an 82 xj 550 maxim and am having a little trouble shifting gears. when riding, it seems to klunk into first. and its hard finding neutral. itll just shift right past it into 2nd and the same down into first. and also today when riding it, i felt it shift through but it stayed in 1st. AND while i was riding i got it to 5th gear but the bike was at like 6,000 rpm and i was only doing 40mph.. i looked like an ass on the road. what should i do to fix this?

 

If you know for sure it's actually getting in all gears I would stop riding it immediately and start preparing for a clutch replacement. Of course check the cable and adjustment but that's definitely sounds like a very bad case of slipping clutch

 

Make sure clutch cable is properly adjusted so that it is completely engaging/disengaging.

My XJ550 has always "klunked" into first, but it is minimized by proper adjustment of the cable. Same with finding neutral.

This is for adjusting an XJ650, but principle the same: http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/adjusting-clutch-on-an-xj650.33420/

Or this: http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/clutch-adjustment-clutch-cable-replacement-procedure.2672/

Adjusting 550 clutch (sorry pictures no longer available): http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/reassembly-of-clutch-cover-82-xj750j-maxim.44555/

 

neutral is just a slight shift easier to find if you roll forward a little . just sitting still neutral can be a hard find.

lube your clutch cable and check its routing. make sure the wire holder on frame is not forced into the cable. buy a cable lube tool or do a gravity lube over night
adjust at the lever to have 3 mm free play.
I would replace clutch cable before a new clutch.

what kind of oil do you use ?Jaso compliant for wet clutches?

 

Ok cool thanks for the advice guys. Ill definitely check those web sites out.

 

*** I went to the Yamaha dealership and bought the oil they recomended. 20-40 i believe.