Motorcycle Repair: VL 1500 LC Suzuki, worn gears, vl 1500

Question
I have a 1998 VL 1500 that has 16K miles on it. It has been well maintained
aside from long periods of storage, it has started jumping out of the gear I am
in and going to the lower gear, 5th to 4th. If I hold the heel side of the shifter
down it does not do this. Any ideas? Thanks in advance

Answer
Marcus,

check the linkage for any problems first,
make sure the shift lever is not hitting
anything. The problem may be the shifter
cam stopper or spring. This keeps the shift drum
from turning too easily and has a notch
for each gear.
It is under your shifter cover along with
some other linkage. If all is in order
under the shift cover, it could only be something
in the transmission like bad shift forks or
worn gears.
The shift cam stopper and spring are #11-12 here:
http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/parts/Suzuki/VL1500W  INTRUDER/1998/999427