QuestionI have a 1986 Rebel 450 that, at higher temperature and harder riding, tends to have the shifter stick down when ever I shift. Any help on why this happens and how to fix it would be very appreciated.
AnswerKevin..... any number of things come to mind about sticking shifters....
1. Bent shift shaft, due to crash damage
2. Corroded shift shaft where it comes through the cases
3. Worn, damaged forward control shifter linkage parts.. or needing some lubrication/adjusting.
4. Damaged shift fork or shift fork track in the shift drum. Hope not...
5. Oil that may be too thick for your climate zone. Try lighter or synthetic oils.
Harder riding/higher heat condition clues point to engine case expansion (see #1 and 2 above)
Start with the easy stuff first... shift linkage from pedal back to engine. Then, remove the left engine cover to check the condition of shaft and any issues with where it comes out through the case hole.
If nothing is found there, you will have to pull the clutch cover and have a look at the gearshift selector parts behind the clutch assembly. After that, you will have to remove the engine and split the cases to get to the gearshift forks/drum, etc.
http://www.cmsnl.com/cmx450c-rebel-450-1986-us_model1055/partslist/?q=cmx450 for parts illustrations.
Bill Silver
