Motorcycle Repair: Shifting problem, kawasaki en500, hi chris

Question
Hi Chris/Falcon,

I am a beginner biker and unfortunately laid down my 2004 Kawasaki EN500 LTD the second time I rode it. It was not a high speed accident, and it appeared to be that the only damage was a tank dent and some minor other scratches, but now I seem to be having trouble shifting into neutral from first and from neutral into first. It did appear that the shifter may have been slightly bent, but the linkage under the bike does not appear damaged. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

Sam

Answer
Hi Sam.
 You could have cracked or broke something loose that isn't easilly accessible.  Also look for cracked or loosened parts to the shifter mechanism as well.  Just because the accident was low speed does not mean that it couldn't do damage to internals.  Remember that the bike hit the ground hard, even though it wasn't moving fast.

 If the shift shaft or the clutch pushrod is bent or broken, then you will have trouble shifting.

If in doubt, take it to a shop and have them check it out in person.

Good luck.
FALCON