Motorcycle Repair: Honda Shadow wont shift into first, honda service manual, honda vt700

Question
I just bought a 1984 Honda VT700 Shadow. The guy I bought it from stated it was stuck in overdrive. I looked at the bike and for the price I couldn't pass it up. I suspected a problem with the gearshift linkage. I took the right hand and left hand covers apart and inspected the linkage. It appears the plug that holds the gearshift lever had moved and the teeth jumped off. I remove all parts to the linkage, inspected it for wear, and saw no obvious signs. I reassembled everything following the instructions from the Honda Service Manual. The bike will now shift from neutral up to overdrive and back with no problems. My problem is it will not shift into first gear (I have tried to shift it into first while spinning the rear wheel). I do not suspect a problem with the shift forks as I can shift it into first by turning the shift drum cam manually. It appears to me that spindle plate is not moving far enough to rotate the cam into first, however, it does have enough travel to engage all other gears. I have checked and double checked to make sure the teeth on the gearshift spindles are aligned correctly, and as I stated before I see no obvious wear on any of the gearshift linkage parts. I followed the instructions of the service manual word for word three times with the same result each time. I do not know what else to look for or try. I can only assume the service manual has left out a step, I am not installing something correctly (although I have followed the book step by step), or something is worn beyond its limits and it is not obvious to me (although according to the previous owner he had no problems with the tranny and it shifted with no problems prior to it getting stuck in gear. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.   Thanks,   Travis

Answer
Hi Travis,

It's a simple reassembly. I believe that you're following the manual accurately.

I suspect Shift Spindle "B" may be installed a couple of points (teeth) off the shaft, preventing the shaft from moving the spindles enough to engage first gear. Otherwise, I would suspect worn or damaged parts.

If there's any doubt that the parts have been installed incorrectly, have a second pair of eyes check the assembly of parts.

Check out the Honda Service Manual here:
"www.shadowclub-bavaria.net/manuals/vt7__/pdf/vt7__.pdf"

View microfiche parts at:
"www.bikebandit.com"

Respectfully,
Mark Shively