Motorcycle Repair: transmission/clutch, honda xr 200, dirt bikes

Question
I have a 2001 honda xr 200. I changed oil [cold] and now I can not shift into 3-4-5 gear. I put Belray EXL 20/50 oil in. Level is right. It is my wife's bike guess who's in trouble. The bike was fine before I changed oil. Any advice?

Answer
Hi Richard.

Since it's the wife's bike, you have my sincerest sympathies.  I guess you need to get used to sleeping on the couch now. :)

But seriously; It sounds like the problem is just a matter of circumstantial timing.  I don't know of any oil change that would cause the shifter to not work, although anything is possible with dirt bikes, sometimes.  Double check the oil grade that you need in the bike against what you just put in.  It could be the wrong grade or wrong type (natural/synthetic/hybrid).

As long as all of those things are good, then the problem is mechanical and unrelated to the oil change.  That generally means internal engine work to repair it.  Probably shifter forks bent or broke.

Sorry that I can't help you further.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON