Motorcycle Repair: bike wont shift, honda motorcycle, honda rebel

Question
Bill,
I own a 97 Honda Rebel 250cc in which I recently laid down.  I can get the bike to start but when I engage the clutch to shift, the shifter lever will not shift out of gear.  It is stuck in either 4th or 5th gear.  I am new at bike riding and I need assistance.

v/r

Roy

Answer
Roy, if you went down on the left side, you may have bent the shift lever and the shift shaft that it is attached to.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/honda-motorcycle-cmx250c-rebel-1997...
for illustrations.

Pull the shift lever off, then the outer cover behind it. Look for bent end to the shaft,

Replacing the shaft will require getting a new shift shaft, draining the  oil, removing the clutch cover on the opposite side, and then pulling the clutch assy to access the shift selector end of the shaft. Replace all gaskets and seals affected.

Glad you are okay after the incident.

Bill Silver