Motorcycle Repair: second gear problems, bike bandit, transmission gears


Question
I have a 1990 kawasaki ZX-6 and I am haveing problems with second gear.  It jumps out of gear around 6 to 7,000 rpms.  I have found that tightening my chain helps a little but it still jump out.. My question is.  what is causeing this, what is the best way to fix it, and how much will it cost.  Any advice you can give me will be greatly apriciated.  thank you for your time...

Answer
Hi Marc,

Q:  ....It jumps out of gear around 6 to 7,000 rpms.  I have found that tightening my chain helps a little but it still jump out. What is causeing this?

A:  The usual cause is rounded edges on transmission gears dog and cogs. Once rounded, mating gears easily slip apart under load. This wear is the result of aggressive riding habits; wheelies, improper shifting, etc...


Q:  what is the best way to fix it, and how much will it cost.

A:  Have a local tech inspect the problem and give you an estimate. Visit Bike Bandit and see prices on gears, shift forks, shafts, clutch, and gaskets. Local shop flat-rates in my area are about $50 per hour. I estimate that repair to be about 14 hours.


See microfiche parts here: "www.buykawasaki.com" or "www.bikebandit.com"

Once Kawasaki's site opens, click green text "Vehicle Information" from the menu, and then "View Parts Diagram" from the menu. A new page opens, select "Motorcycle" from the menu, (or enter your VIN for the “history” of your MC). Select the year, make and model from the menus that follow.


With Bike Bandit, click "OEM Parts" and then select your MC from the menus that follow.


Respectfully,
Mark Shively