new drive chain/trans question

I am replacing the drive chain on my 76 kz750 twin and have come across a slight problem. When the front sprocket is turned the trans will not engage in 1st gear. When i manually turn it, it will enagage in either 1st and 2nd or 2 and 3rd. Is there any position I'm supposed to put the sprocket in before final install. Or what am I doing wrong?

Nothing to do with the sprocket, it can go on any way that engages the splines.

How fast do you have to turn it to engage second? Should have to give it a good spin to get past the "Positive Neutral finder".

Will it engage first without turning it at all?

1976 didn't even have the neutral finder feature, so it's even simpler. I guess I don't understand the problem.

RonKZ650 wrote:

1976 didn't even have the neutral finder feature, so it's even simpler. I guess I don't understand the problem.

I didn't believe you so I went to kawasaki.com and checked, and by george you're right! :ohmy:

The "Positive Neutral Finder" started in 78 on the 750 twins according to Kawasaki.com, guess since the 78-83 750 twins had it, I just assumed all of them did.

Now I don't have a clue whats wrong with the way it's shifting either

it's not a speed turn. When I pulled the chain through and the sprocket turns, I checked to see if the trans would engage. It would not shift into 1st, only 2nd then third. Neutral is fine. So I turned the sprocket a little further and then it would shift fine into 1st N and 2nd, no longer third though. This is all while not running obviously. I don't want to mess anything up. I have a feeling it's fine, but I really want to ride soon and can't afford to break anything

totally off subject, but I should just start PM'ing you guys and biquetoast about my problems, because you three are almost always the first to chime in:)
thanks for the help, you've all saved me a lot of heartache

It's probably just a case of the teeth on the gears not being lined up so they can mesh. It won't happen while the motors running.

I do advise you to install a new locking tab washer with that new sprocket, it's rather embarrassing when the sprocket comes off while you are riding down the road, and all because you cheaped out and didn't buy the locking tab washer (don't ask)

steell wrote:

I do advise you to install a new locking tab washer with that new sprocket, it's rather embarrassing when the sprocket comes off while you are riding down the road, and all because you cheaped out and didn't buy the locking tab washer (don't ask)

And don't ask me,either... :whistle:...:blush: ...

no need for a new washer. the guy I bought it from replaced the front sprocket. It looks brand new (exactly like the one i got from Z1. For some reason when he replaced it he didn't replace the rear or the drive chain though:blink: . Thanks for the help

Here's another of my "bad advice" so take it or leave it. Of course the rule of thumb is if at the very rear of the wheel sprocket if you can pull the chain 1/2 or more of a tooth off the sprocket, both sprockets and chain should be replaced and of course if the wheel sprocket is noticably worn that's a good sign it's bad. However, my advice to extend chain life quite a bit is to keep an eye on the engine sprocket. Over time since it's spinning about 3 times to every spin of the wheel sprocket, it will wear faster rate than the rear. As it wears it puts stress on the chain and chain life starts going downhill. So when you see the front sprocket worn by looking at the teeth, you know it's not good and if you want you can replace just that sprocket. That may have been what happened here. This gives the chain less stress so it can continue happy life again. That's one of my 60,000 mile out of a chain advice, the other is using the right kind of chain lube frequently. I don't think I've ever actually looked at a motorcycle sitting in a parking lot that didn't have a dry shiney lubefree chain. They won't last that way, trust me.
OK that's my advice of the day. Take it as good or bad at your own risk. It's been good to me.

yeah, that's kinda what I figured happened. it just seemed wierd to me because the front sprocket looks very new, but the rear sprocket was extremely well worn and the chain was streeeeeeetched out beyond what i would consider it's usable life. just my opinion though I guess. they're all new now:)

Just in case anybody sees this post and is wondering what happened. I got everything reinstalled and tightened up to spec. still couldn't shift into gear. Kicked it over a couple times and the tranny seems to have realigned itself and works good as new.
Had no idea these 750 twins would be as nice as they are:woohoo:
I love it and am going to be selling my 78 kz650 soon to fund a different project. I love the 650 also, but only have room for 2 bikes and need something to occupy my time when I'm not working or riding.
thanks for the help guys