Won't go into 2nd sitting, not running 84GPZ????

I picked up a 78 KZ1000 and a 84 GPZ550 today. They are projects. The GPZ has been sitting since 1988 in a garage. I pulled the plugs and shot a little WD40 in the cylinders. After it sat for about 30 minutes, I put it in 1st gear and rocked it back and forth. The engine is free. I need to remove carbs and clean them and change the oil, filter, plugs and gas out. My question is, it won't go into 2nd gear. Does the bike have to be running or moving before it will go into 2nd gear or is the trans toast? Sorry if its a stupid question. I bought it for $250 and the owner told me it used to run. I'm sure it did run when it was new :laugh:

It's called a neutral finder. It only shifts from 1st to 2nd if it's moving above a certain speed.

Usually you can trick it into shifting to 2nd by rocking the bike back and forth, pulling and releasing the clutch in 1st. Eventually it will go into 2nd, but you have to get the knack. From there, you can shift into all of the upper gears.

^^^^^^^^ I agree. Kawasaki's won't go into 2nd when it's not moving. Fire up the motor, get underway and I bet your problem goes away.

The neutral finder is there to keep you from shifting into 2nd while at a stop. Doing so can be downright embarassing..or so I am told :whistle: :whistle: