Motorcycle Repair: Transmission, blown head gasket, clutch adjustment

Question
QUESTION: I recently participated in a parade with my 1990 HD FXR.  About half way into the parade the bike began to overheat.  I don't know exactly how hot as I do not have a temp gauge.  I finaaly got the bike cooled and when I started it the following day the exhaust sounded like it was ''coughing''.  I took it for a quick ride to warm it up and the regular sound came back, but each time I start it up it has the same ''coughing'' sound.  Could I have a loose baffle from reving the bike during the parade? Or could there be a greater issue?  Thanks for your reply.

Regards
Michael

ANSWER: I doubt if the baffle came loose. Slow riding, like you were doing is really hard on the air cooled motor. Not enough air moving on the motor to cool it. Check around the head for moving air. You might have blown a head gasket. If that not it I would do a compression test.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

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QUESTION: If it is a blown gasket can it continue to run this way for a while?  What could be the consequences for riding the bike this way?  The reason I ask is because when I do ride it the noise does go back to normal, it is just this way when it is first started.  Thanks for your help.

Regards,
Michael

ANSWER: If you had a blown head gasket I would not ride it until its repaired. If it gets worse it can put a cut in the cylinder from the hot gasses
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mike,
I recently had some issues with my clutch siezing up.  I apparently had it repaired and experienced what I think is a major issue.  I test rode it out of the shop and everything felt good.  Once I left the shop the clutch adjustment came loose and all I had was 1st gear.  I tried  riding it back 5 blocks to the shop and it died out 2 blocks away.  The tech came out to where I was at and we adjusted the clutch and when I pulled out of first there was a "LOUD" bang and the rear wheel locked up.  I couldn't get it in neutral and we loaded it up and got it back to the shop.  Can you help me diagnose this issue as I have been frustrated for 2 months.  I have a 1990 HD FXR with an open BDL primary.

Regards,
Michael

Answer
First, you need to determine if its the clutch or trans. Jack the bike up and remove the spark plugs and see if you can turn the wheel. If you can, then its probably not the transmission. If you cant, then your transmission is locked up. Probably in-between gears. It would have to be removed and inspected. right now it could be a broken gear, broken shifter dog ETC.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike