Motorcycle Repair: 1st to 2nd gear grinding in 97 vulcan classic, drum groove, clutch system

Question
Hello, I hope you can help, I have a vulcan 97 1500 classic. My problem is that when I shift from 1st to 2nd the gears grind and when it doesnt grind at a certain RPM it goes in ruff. I tried adjusting the clutch handle knob, 1 thru 4, and it doesnt seem to help. Shifting from 2nd to to 4th is fine. I hope you can help so I dont have take it to a shop. I have both manuals for the bike but they seem to be for breakdown only. Thanks for your assitance on this matter. Hope to here fromm u soon. Dave    PS bike has only 12k on it.

Answer
Hi David,

Unfortunately, I would need to hear the sounds and feel the transmission working to give accurate diagnosis of the problem.

The clutch system may need serviced or bled, or there may be other worn parts causing the problem.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively



Gear Shifting Faulty:

Doesn't go into gear; shift pedal doesn't return

Clutch not disengaging
Shift fork bent or seized
Gear stuck on the shaft
Gear position lever binding
Shift return spring weak or broken
Shift return spring pin loose
Shift mechanism arm spring broken
Shift mechanism arm broken
Shift pawl broken

Jumps out of gear:

Shift fork worn
Gear groove worn
Gear dogs and/or dog holes worn
Shift drum groove worn
Gear positioning lever spring weak or broken
Shift fork pin worn
Drive shaft, output shaft, and/or gear splines worn

Overshifts:

Gear positioning lever spring weak or broken
Shift mechanism arm spring broken