Motorcycle Repair: motorcycle repair, clutch master cylinder, goldwing interstate

Question
My 1987 Goldwing Interstate became stuck in 1st gear yesterday while making a left hand turn at low speed.  The bike has only 5000 original miles and is bone stock.  What could this be?  Is it common? Expesive?
lumox@att.net

Answer
Hi Paul,

The problem is not common. Everything related to motorcycle repair will be expensive, even estimates.

The problem may be clutch master cylinder/lines/fluid/slave cylinder failures, clutch plates, shift linkage/lever, or other.

Really need to have a tech investigate and diagnose the cause.

Review the troubleshooting chart below. Try your best at diagnosing the problem. You may find the problem and easily make necessary corrections. If all else, have the local tech take over.

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