Lost Gears (Not Kawasaki Specific)

A buddy of mine is looking at getting a bike he saw in the paper here, I don't remember make or model, just that it's an early '90s 600 street bike.
Overall, the bike is in good shape, except 2nd gear.

When you shift it into 2nd, well, there is no 2nd.

I don't have any experience with transmissions. Is he looking at a stripped gear, or bent/broken fork? Any idea how difficult it would be to fix at home? Or how expensive this would be at the shop?

Unless it's a Kawasaki and all this guy has done is try to shift into second at a standstill. It won't go into second at a standstill, is that what is happening? It's called "neutral finder"

If it's not a Kaw, unless the bike is very cheap, like $50 buck cheap, just say no. The cost to fix it could be more than the bikes value, right?

If he wants the bike he needs to call the dealer for that make and maybe get a "guesstimate" on cost. But how are the service guys going to do that unless they have the bike? Maybe there is an internet group for that model and he can check there.

There are way too many good running bikes out there to buy, stick with those. I think the chance your friend is going to find a cheap fix is nil.

Good luck.

If second gear is broken, makes me think it's a Honda.

The current owner had been riding it, and 2nd gear hasn't been working.

It's a 94 Suzuki Katana. He's trading it for a Supra parts car.

So, neither vehicle is really worth anything. I suppose he can just ride without 2nd for now anyway.

loudhvx wrote:

If second gear is broken, makes me think it's a Honda.

or an old 900-1000 with a really good running motor and a really sticky tire,and of course a loose nut like wireman at the healm!:evil: second gear is a problem in quite a few differant bikes,thats why they make billet 2nd gears for!