Motorcycle Repair: Shifter not returning to position, clutch disks, spring tips

Question
Good day,

After changing my clutch disks and springs, I was ready to ride. No problem going into first gear or neutral, but the bike won't go into second, or any other gear.  Also, part of the problem is that the shift lever will not spring back into position after the gear selection is made.  I disassembled the linkage to the "shifter shaft" to find that the shaft itself does stick, thus eliminating the forward linkage.  I don't know what I might have done wrong... if anything in replacing the disks and springs, that might have effected the shifter?

Answer
Sean,I need to know what kind of bike this is. I have had some brand new ones from Kawasaki do this and it was the left side cocer not lined up perfectly. There is usually a centering pin in the case by the shaft that is placed between the spring tips to locate it to a center position. Could you let me know some more info on the bike.