QuestionI just got this bike, only 2,600 miles, and has been sitting for year. I have it running great but doesn't want to down shift unless you go through at least 3rd gear and then down. Any ideas?
AnswerLeonard, Generally when you have shifting issues, the problem comes from the clutch not being adjusted correctly. If you have excessive free play at the lever, the clutch won't disengage completely causing some drag on the transmission gears during gear selection.
A secondary, related, clutch problem can be that when a bike sits for 10 years at a time, the clutch pack tends to stick together and there is some rust buildup on the steel plates, plus some of the friction material transfers to the steel plates, as well. This causes the clutch to "drag" all the time even when the freeplay is setup correctly. The only fix for that is to drain the oil and remove the clutch cover. Then you can pull the clutch pack apart (4 bolts), wire-wheel or replace the steel plates and reassemble once again.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cm200t-twinstar-1980-usa_model1044/partslist/E++07.ht
Get a new gasket and seal for the clutch cover, when you take it apart.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cm200t-twinstar-1980-usa_model1044/partslist/E++06.ht
When you are into the clutch assembly, you can check behind the clutch to see if everything is in place for the shift selector components.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cm200t-twinstar-1980-usa_model1044/partslist/E++16.ht
Sometimes the bolt #15 comes loose from the end of the shift drum, but that usually scrambles all of the gear selection options.
Bill Silver
