Bike stuck in neutral while riding

My kz750G left me stranded this morning on my way home. I was exiting on an overpass and downshifting around the spiral, nothing dramatic...Just driving like a good citizen. Towards the end of the exit ramp I began to accelerate, but the bike just revved, like it was in neutral. I can shift through all the gears, up and down, but it just clicks and will not engage in any gear. I would appreciate any insight as to where to begin troubleshooting.

Regards,

Roland

Clutch? Is the clutch slipping? Otherwise I would suspect shift spring, this would not allow the engagement of the shift pawl.
Post the year and model, someone will post a transmission/ shift diagram. Or you can go to kawasaki.com, and owner info, parts diagrams and look at it there.

Motor Head wrote: Clutch? Is the clutch slipping? Otherwise I would suspect shift spring, this would not allow the engagement of the shift pawl.
Post the year and model, someone will post a transmission/ shift diagram. Or you can go to kawasaki.com, and owner info, parts diagrams and look at it there.

No clutch slippage whatsoever. Mechanically the bike is sound and there were no telltale signs of anything strange. Its a 1980 KZ750G LTD

Have a look at the diagram for the shifting, and look at the spring (#7) that goes between the two pawls, which turn the drum. Could be the spring, or sometimes the pins can come loose and fall out of the drum. Could be something else also, like a fork, but then you should get the gears on it.

Check your counter-sprocket to ensure it didn't come loose. Ed

thanks gang, I'll tear in to it and see what I find. With only 9000 miles, I can't imagine it being anything too serious. It was my grandfather's bike and I know he didn't flog it.

650ed wrote: Check your counter-sprocket to ensure it didn't come loose. Ed

That would be my suggestion as well. Happened to me a few years ago.

Assuming the rear chain is still there, I too would think it is a loose front sprocket.

Excellent, I'll check that first later this afternoon. On another note, I got my spokes from z1 and had my rims powdercoated. Turned out really nice, I think.

The nut backed off the counter sprocket, thanks for the help!

Be sure to install the special lock washer under that nut (see diagram). It is still an "Active" part, so any local or online dealer can order it for you if yours is missing. Ed

and there it is a again Ed the winner!
thanks Ed you provide so much to this forum

thanks again :woohoo: