Motorcycle Repair: transmission, local shop, disassembled

Question
I have an '86 honda 250xl. Went out to kick start, and it just wouldn't kick down. Then I found it was all I could do to shift gears. In fact, I don't think any of the gears work. I was able to get a socket into the crank and get the piston to work, so the engine is not seized. Do I basically have something binding up in the transmission, and is it easier to just replace the engine than to have work done on it?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Brent,

I suspect a shift/kick linkage is broken or came separated from another part and is binding/not working properly.

I recommend having a local shop look at the MC and give you an estimate of repairs and parts. This way, they will tell you the problem and how much to repair it. Estimates usually cost one hour of the shop's flat-rate. (You may get you engine disassembled in a box if they have to tear-down to inspect and you decide not to have them perform the work.)

Repairs are usually cheaper than replacing the engine. Though, neither is cheap.

Visit: www.bikebandit.com to see parts prices and michrofiche on line. Once the site opens, click "OEM Parts" and select your MC from the menus that follow.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively