QuestionI have a 1986 Honda V-65 Magna that is slipping out of 2nd gear when throttle is applied hard, when throttle is applied gradually it does not slip out of gear.
I have been told that it could be the shift forks or second gear sprag? whatever that is causing the problem. What would you recommend, I haven't bought the bike yet, the owner wants $1250 for it.
Many thanks
Frank Smith
Greenwood, MS
PS I am not a stranger to motorcycle repair, I worked in a Honda dealer repair shop for some 10 yrs, but have been out since 1973, by George that's 32 yrs ago, my how time flys.
AnswerHi Frank,
I recommend you find another motorcycle to purchase. The transmission repair may exceed the cost of the MC.
The usual cause of gears slipping out of gear is worn cogs and dogs. When these part's edges become rounded, they tend to slip and slide apart. This is caused by aggressive riding and poor shifting habits.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
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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
Over-shifts:
Gear positioning lever spring weak or broken
Shift mechanism arm spring broken
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Motorcycle Transmission Information
By Mark Shively
Slipping out of Gear:
Trying to mate slower spinning sliding gears with very high spinning fixed gears is hard on the transmission. If the transmission is slipping out of 1st or 2nd gears, the dogs and cogs are rounded (worn) and must be replaced.
Race Shifting:
If it won't shift from 1st into 2nd at or near redline, try pre-loading the shift lever with your toe (raise the lever) and when you want to shift, quickly twist the throttle closed and then full-throttle again. Don't use the clutch. The transmission will shift into the next gear. This is a racing technique known as "pre-loading" the shifter. It should shift as quickly as you can turn the throttle. It's not the best thing for the clutch and transmission, but racing MC's get complete rebuilds frequently and parts inspected and replaced.
Inside the Engine:
When you step on the shift lever, the shift linkage turns the shift drum slightly and causes shifting forks to move. Shifting forks mate with shift drum via dowels and grooves. The shift forks move sliding gears to engage the gear's dogs with its mating gear's cogs.
When a gear is “forced” to engage another gear, as if trying to shift from Neutral to the next gear, expensive damages may result. This causes premature transmission and clutch parts wear and failure.
Hauling in Neutral:
Tie-down straps secure our motorcycles and ATV's well when used properly during transportation. We tend to use a variety of materials and things to secure motorcycles and ATV's when transporting.
When the motorcycle/ATV is not properly secured, it may move during transport. If the transmission is placed in gear, shift forks flex under the load and weight of the motorcycle as it moves. Same goes with the clutch and drive chain. These parts are easily damaged. Place the transmission into Neutral and properly secure motorcycle with quality tie-down straps.
