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shifter lever won't return help

  • Thread starter Thread starter freakzilla
  • Start date Start date
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freakzilla

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Hi I've got a 1980 GS550e the shifter lever won't return to the center positin two be ready for the next gear shift is there anyone out there with some good ideas on what the problem may be. I can move it there manually but thats not much fun. thanks very much.
 
First thing I would do is open up the engine cover where the front sprocket and shift shaft are. It could be that you have so much gunk in there that it's preventing the shifter from moving freely.

After that, the only thing attached to the shift shaft is on the other side of the engine (the right side). You need to drain the oil out to open that side up, and be prepared for buying a new gasket if you do. Hopefully you don't have to go that far. Let us know.
 
Could be that the shift shaft is bent? Fairly easy to replace but you'll have to remove the clutch basket on the right side of the motor.

Good luck.

Ed
 
freakzilla said:
Hi I've got a 1980 GS550e the shifter lever won't return to the center positin two be ready for the next gear shift is there anyone out there with some good ideas on what the problem may be. I can move it there manually but thats not much fun. thanks very much.
Click to expand...

Disconnect the shift lever from the frame shaft. Now see if you can easily move the shift shaft. If the shaft still won't return to the middle position I bet you most likely have a broken shift shaft return spring. This spring is located inside the clutch housing bahind the clutch basket assembly. Go here:

http://www.crotchrocket.com/fiche_section_detail.asp

choose the shifter diagram, and ref # 25 is the return spring. I know on my 1100, you can simply pull the clutch cover, and see that spring.
 
Last edited:
You may not need to drain the oil if you pull the clutch cover -- just lean the bike onto the kickstand on the left, and the oil sloshes over that way, leaving the right side of the engine nice and un-oily.

At least my 850 and many other GS models work that way. On your 550, I dunno.
 
will I accualy need to pull out the shifter rod or can the return spring be replaced with out removalof the rod
 
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