Motorcycle Repair: 1980 Yamaha Special 850, question index, transmission issues

Question
The bike will not stay in Second Gear,I've been told that this model of bike had a problem with 2nd gear. can you give some info. as what could be the problem. thanks Dave

Answer
You are asking MrHonda about Yamaha Triple Transmission issues???

All I could find was this:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070825221147AArYVe7

He covers the causes pretty well. The fix isn't pretty or cheap, however, especially if the parts are no longer available from Yamaha.
If the gear dogs aren't sheared off completely, you might be able to get a machine shop or m/c shop to back cut the gears, to encourage the two gears in staying connected.  So instead of
  ↓
[I I] meshing together,  
 you get a
       ↓
      /_\
  \_/     \_/
     effect
which locks the gears together under torque.

Unfortunately, it is a problem for many bikes, especially pre-1990s models (even some high horsepower bikes afterwards have had this issue).

If the problem is severe, there is no easy fix, other than engine removal and splitting the cases to change/repair the affected gears.
You will need gaskets, seals, gears and any other small parts that are associated with this type of repair.

http://www.cmsnl.com/yamaha-xs850sg-1980_model8760/partslist/B-09.html
gives you some ideas of the parts involved.

Next time.... buy a Honda!  :>)

Bill MrHonda Silver