Motorcycle Repair: 83 Virago 500, slipping out ou 1st gear, winter project, posession

Question
Falcon

I just came into the posession of an 1983 viargo 500, it slips out of 1st when I release the clutch, If I start off in 2nd gear I can ride and have no problems. shifts fine in all gears, only prob is while in 1st.   is this going to be an very expensive fix beyond a starters knowlage to fix?  if so will it affect the bike to just forgo 1st and use 2nd so I can use the bike.. I knew of the problem when I bought the bike but for 250.00 I figured it would be worth the knowlage gained from messing with it...
thanks for your time

Answer
Hi Walt.
 If you are mechanically inclined and reasonably experienced with things mechanical, then this will be a challenging fix that is a winter project.

 The problem that you have requires the removal and opening up of the engine.

 Your first gear is shot and needs to be replaced.  This cannot be repaired without first removing the engine and splitting the case.

Outside of that, you can ride it, using 2nd gear to start from, just fine.

Good luck.
FALCON