Motorcycle Repair: gear shift, suzuki intruder, proper lubrication

Question
chris,
just a quick note,
i have a suzuki intruder 1400cc
my gear shift seems to be getting stuck on me.
as i slow down and down shift with the speed of the bike, my gear shift does not retract back up to where i can down shift again.  it just stays stuck in the down position.
what is causing this?  Is there a simple solution or am i looking at having to spend some dollars for repair?

Gabe

Answer
Hi Gabe.
 There are 2 springs on the mechanism that hold it in a neutral position.  If one of those springs is worn out or broken, then it will not return to a neutral position.  On the Intruder, I am not certain if you can access those springs without splitting the case.

The other possible causes are from 1) a bent shift shaft, 2) a burr on the mechanism catching or 3) a lack of proper lubrication on the mechanism.

The most likely are broken, worn or sticking return spring or a bent shift shaft.

Good luck.
FALCON