78 GS1000E Shifting Problems

[dluszcz]

After getting the engine to turn over and run, I went to try the clutch and found that I can only go from neutral to 1st gear back to neutral, but not any of the upper gears.

I hit the starter button to turn the motor over and now I can't get it into 1st gear, but I can go from neutral to 2nd to 3rd gear.

I hit the starter button again and back to the 1st gear and neutral only.

I haven't been able to get it into 4th or 5th gear.

Any ideas on how to tackle this? I searched a bunch of threads and I haven't seen a problem like this completely.

I did have the clutch cable on at 1st but took it off to eliminate it from the equation. The bar where the clutch cable hooks up to is in the fully released position. When I move that bar, it doesn't make any difference.

The only time change in status occurs is when I hit the starter button. I do not have the chain and rear tire on, if that makes a difference.

[Big T]

Okay, you really need to properly hook up your clutch cable and arm so as to disengage the clutch to shift and try that

You're needlessly looking for problems

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I agree. Put it all back together (clutch, sprockets, chain, tires, etc) and adjust it according to your manual. Then you can properly troubleshoot.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[dluszcz]

OK, I will do that. Thanks for the advice. Maybe I won't need to add to this once I finish putting it back together.

Just getting ahead of myself. This warm weather makes me want to rush to get it done and on the road.

[SqDancerLynn1]

When you rush You end up doing the job twice !!!

[gs road racer]

After getting the engine to turn over and run, I went to try the clutch and found that I can only go from neutral to 1st gear back to neutral, but not any of the upper gears.

I hit the starter button to turn the motor over and now I can't get it into 1st gear, but I can go from neutral to 2nd to 3rd gear.

I hit the starter button again and back to the 1st gear and neutral only.

I haven't been able to get it into 4th or 5th gear.

Any ideas on how to tackle this? I searched a bunch of threads and I haven't seen a problem like this completely.

I did have the clutch cable on at 1st but took it off to eliminate it from the equation. The bar where the clutch cable hooks up to is in the fully released position. When I move that bar, it doesn't make any difference.

The only time change in status occurs is when I hit the starter button. I do not have the chain and rear tire on, if that makes a difference.

The tranmission needs to be turning(ie when hitting the starter button) to shift most of the time but in all probability have nothing wrong get the chain on and try it....

[dluszcz]

OK, today I got her running. Rear tire and chain on, clutch cable on and started her up and burnt all the webs and oils off the header pipes.

Tried to put it in 1st gear and when I pulled the clutch in, felt like too much play. Dumped it into 1st anyway and killed the motor.

Tried to pull it back up to neutral and couldn't. Hit the starter button a couple of times and was able to get it up to neutral.

Started the engine again popped it back into 1st gear. Killed it again and can't seem to get the clutch to disengage.

I left it in 1st gear and tried a couple of ways to get the clutch to disengage so the bike would roll freely. No luck.

Adjusted the clutch cable as per the manual. Nice and tight now and still not able to get the clutch to disengage.

Any ideas or is my clutch shot?

[hampshirehog]

Sounds like the clutch has frozen after standing. Stick the bike in second, off the stand, apply both brakes and try the starter without pulling the clutch in.

Be prepared to hit the kill switch if the clutch doesn't free and the motor fires up.

[dluszcz]

I put it in 2nd gear, had both brakes applied, and hit the starter.

Didn't free it up. I'm starting to think I need a new clutch. Sure would hate to have to do that.

I keep reading threads about a clutch basket. I can't find that in my Haynes manual. What is it?

I still have the old engine that is blown and I can take that apart and possibly swap clutches. Good idea?

[dluszcz]

Upon doing more research, I was able to find a pic of the clutch basket on BassCliff's website in the Clutch Odds and Ends section from an 1100E.

I'm still not sure what I would need to file off or why my clutch will not engage or disengage, whichever it is.

Either way, it seems to be frozen and this motor hasn't been sitting for a long period of time, that I'm aware of.

I just do not know really where to start to solve this particular problem.

[Big T]

1st, ride it around the block about 50 times, pulling in the clutch periodically and braking

The most likely explanation is that your clutch plates are stuck together. Some torque, hot oil and braking should pop them loose

[dluszcz]

I didn't ride around the block 50 times but I rode around it about a dozen times and no matter what I try, I don't think I can free them up.

I can power shift up and down with no problem but I can't get the lever to work. Got as high as 4th gear on my tiny little side streets.

Since I have no lights hooked up yet, I don't want to push my luck with the local cops.

Once I'm in gear, all seems to function well.

[dluszcz]

Still at a loss for what is going on with my clutch.

I cannot seem to get it to disengage. Does this mean the clutch is shot?

If I have to tear it apart, what should I buy to rebuild it correctly?

I don't think the plates are shot since I can power shift, at least up to 4th gear.

Anybody have this problem and if so, did they get lucky and free up the plates by putting the bike in 1st gear with the tires on the ground and rocking it back and forth while the clutch is pulled?

Any other suggestions?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Most of the time, if you take the plates out, separate them, clean the steels and rough up the fibers a little, make sure the basket is smooth, then reassemble, you should be OK. As long as you're there, you might as well replace the springs. Use OEM replacements. Check your manual for the service limit and measure the steels and fibers for wear before reassembly. I think you've already found a few pictures HERE.

When you do all this, you might as well replace the lousy phillips head bolts with a nice allen head stainless steel bolt set. I got my set from Z1.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Big T]

Still at a loss for what is going on with my clutch.

I cannot seem to get it to disengage. Does this mean the clutch is shot?

If I have to tear it apart, what should I buy to rebuild it correctly?

I don't think the plates are shot since I can power shift, at least up to 4th gear.

Anybody have this problem and if so, did they get lucky and free up the plates by putting the bike in 1st gear with the tires on the ground and rocking it back and forth while the clutch is pulled?

Any other suggestions?

Not shot, just stuck together

Do as Basscliff suggests and see what happens