TOPIC:

I just had my 1980 kz 250 delivered and it runs pretty good but shifts into 2 through 5 very hard. Into first is normal. Only 3500 miles on it. Sometimes it will go into the higher gears and sometime the shift lever will just not move. Almost like something binding somewhere.
I do not know what transmission oil is in it, I think thats a common sump with the engine.

Engine runs a little rough but it only been ridden a few miles in the last few years. I can only get gasahol [10%] close by here so I'm hoping that might do a little carb cleaning for me and get it running more smoothly.

Is there an owners or shop manual available free on line for these?

Thanks, Al.

Change the transmission oil with 10W-40.

Sorry thats my only suggestion. I'm surprised no one else jumped on that though....

Sounds like your shift cables and /or clutch needs adjusment. Check Ebay for deal on repair manuals. Nothing on-line that I know of that is free.

I am not very hopeful that changing the engine oil will make a difference. I would remove the countershaft sprocket cover and examine the external shift mechanism. Examine the spring that returns the shifter, the shift pawls and the shaft that contains the shift pins carefully. Also, check the function of the piece that provides a stop-detent for the shift drum and its spring as well as the spring that closes the shift pawls. I would guess that the problem is in this mechanism somewhere.

I am embarrased to say I found the problem. The shift lever was bent so that is was hitting the case. Bent it out and it works fine.

Sometimes I amaze myself with my stupidity.

Awesome! We love easy fixes, even if it was staring us right in the eye all the time!!!! WTG !!