Will not shift when engine running

I just bought this bike, I now realize I got rooked, but it does run smoothly.
When I bought the bike, battery was dead, and no gas in tank, was told would start no prob. I had him garauntee if it did not start when I got it home, he would take it back... He said "Yes" of course.

I got the bike home .. xj1100 maxim ... charged the battery, put gas in tank ... got it started, smoked a bit, but it has been sitting for 8 mos ... I was told, so I ignored the smoke, wasnt bad enought to bother me.

Squeezed the clutch, got my foot poised over the shifter, clicked it, stalled ... back wheel spun ... crap, so I tried it again and again, 3 times ... so I'm concerned ... What is my problem, clutch or ???.

The person I bought the bike from, will not return email, or phone calls

Chuck

 

Sometimes the clutch plates stick from non-use and old oil.

I freed one up once by "duck-walking" the bike, then drop into 1st and rode around until things warmed up, then some throttle with the clutch pulled broke the clutch free. (you need to be an adequate rider and have free space)

Or - you pop the side cover and dismantle, inspect, re-assemble.

 

I'm not getting a clear image of what's happening.

You can't shift INTO First, .... -Or-
The Bike shifts into First but dies?

You might have "Safety Circuit" related issues.
(Likely)
The Sidestand Safety Switch might be shutting you down.
Put the Bike on the Center Stand.
Kickstand - UP
Rod going from Kickstand to Switch -- Pulled forward if stuck.
Check if she'll fun for you like that.

In the days ahead, as you work on this Bike, ... You are going to NEED a Workshop Manual.
For that Bike, ... You NEED a YAMAHA Factory Workshop Manual.

When we suggest you do something to help Re-Hab your Bike; you NEED a Workshop Manual to look-up and understand what you need to do.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/servi ... /home.aspx
1982 - XJ1100J - Service Manual
Part Number: LIT-11616-02-78
$79.00 (Less than it costs for a Hour of Labor)

Troubleshooting without guidance is frustrating and fruitless.
Illustrated Step-by-step troubleshooting can be a joy.

 

Sound like clutch drag, how much free play have you got at the perch (lever) when you apply slight pressure on the lever there should be about 1/8" gap.

 

Are you saying that you Pull the Clutch Lever and the Back Wheel STILL Spins?

Read this and Fine-tune your Clutch Adjustment.

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... cable.html

 

Chuck - put your location in your signature as there may be someone close by that can help you.

 

RickCoMatic:
It will not go into first gear when bike is running ... only when bike is off will it shift.
I guess it does shift into first when started, but because of no clutch control, it grinds, the back wheel does spin a bit before it stalls. I do not think it would be wise for me to give a higher rpm /rev and ram into first, do not want to do any damage, right?

 

wizard ;

There is Zero gap when squeezing the clutch lever. U do hear a click/clunck in behind the clutch assbly cover.

 

I just noticed ... there is a flashing red light on the ignition panel, would this be telling me something about the clutch?

 

RickCoMatic ;

Yes the switch on the kickstand was stuck. I ahve unstuck it, but at the moment my keys are not with me, so cannot check it out. Out of curiosity, what does it do?

 

Here's my "Wild Guesses"

1.) The CLUTCH is wicked out-of-adjustment.

2.) Galling. Severe. Frictions about shot.

3.) Safety Circuit Switch stuck closed or related Safety Switch broken.

 

It's purpose is to prevent you riding with the stand down. It's basically a kill switch that is disabled by the neutral switch.

 

Easily serviced.

Undo the two Phillips Screws holding the Switch to the Mount.
Save the Screws.
Undo the Dust Boot
The Rod can be removed.

Clean and Re-finish:
The Rod
The Borehole the Rod fits through at the Sidestand.
Spray the hole Clean.
Sand it shiny again.
Use waterproof grease when you assemble the Switch.

Shoot Electrical Parts Cleaner or Contact ReNu in the Switch.
Douche it.
Hit it with some WD40 and put it together.

 

Cleaned the switch on the kickstand, not as professional as RickCoMatic suggests ... but enough to try it out, works

I will do as You pointed out RickCoMatic, be sure of that.

So too all who injected their comments ... THANK YOU

 

With the money you just saved, ...
INVEST it in a Factory Workshop Manual.

Then, try to be a Good Boy until December.
Ask Santa for a whole 1100 Clutch Kit with Hardware.

There's nothing better than having a New Clutch that nobody has squeezed any of the fun out-of, yet.

That, plus new Brakes.