Problems shifting into 2nd

Hi all,

New member looking for some help on fixing my 81 Kawi 440 ltd. I fired it up the other day and took it for a rip and ran into some new problems. Previously when I used to shift into second, the bike would occasionaly "pop" out of second into neutral, and I would have to click up hard on the clutch to get it to pop back into second. When I took it for a drive the other day, it was having a very hard time shifting into second. I would click up on the clutch several times, and I could hear it "rattling" as if it wasn't catching. Eventually after many tries it would catch into second, and then I wouldn't have any problems from there shifting into 3rd, 4th and 5th. Does anyone have any suggestions on what may be causing this? Thanks!

look under youroutput shaft cover on the 900-1000s anyway once you remove front sprocket and cover under it there is shifter linkage under there that sometimes needs a little tlc.

engaugement dogs on the gears or possibly bent shift fork also check to see if your shifter is loose that can cause shifting issues as well also what are you using for oil use a motorcycle specific oil and it may help.and what you refer to as the clutch is actually the shifter the clutch is on the left side handlebar.just so it won't cause any confusion in the future. by the way welcome to the site also you may have a problem with the cable adjustment at the clutch lever you need to have about an 1/8" of freeplay there.

M, This may or may not be of use, I'm not familiar with your' bike, but...poor shifting, popping out of gear is usually an indication of worn shift forks/gear dogs/or shaft location. Many trans counter shafts are held in position by the c/s sprocket nut which draws counter shaft into proper position. a quick and cheep place to start. luck G

I had the same prob. with my 74 z1 900 2nd gear shifting fork was bent!! GOOD LUCK! Easy fix!
Later,Boots

Thanks to all for the great replies, I will start disecting the problem as soon as I get a free weekend here! Cheers,

Mat