Motorcycle Repair: way to much shift lever freeplay, honda 600r, motorcycle engine

Question
Hey Chris,
First off, I am not really a motorcycle engine expert at all, cars are about as far as my knowledge goes.  I own a 1986 Honda 600R onroad/offroad.  Everything has been running great until a little while ago I noticed that the shift lever needed more and more movement to shift gears.  After a little while, it got worse and worse, and a few days ago i had to shift it into second with my hand, and really give it a yank to get it into second.  Then I would just ride out in second.  shifting up wasnt to much trouble.  Now today I cant shift at all, there is just way to much freeplay.  it takes about 5 or 6 inches just to change gears.  I finally decided it needed to be fixed.  I knew all along it should be repaired and I've been trying to find a fix on the internet, but have had no luck.  And if possible I would like to fix it myself... Never hurts to learn more right?  I've never ran into a problem like this before.
Anyways, if you can help me out with this little problem, it will be greatly appreciated!

Thankyou!   -Ry

Answer
Hi Ryan.
 You have one of two possibilities here.  Either the shifter is loose on the shift shaft or ther is an internal problem that will require engine removal or splitting.

 Based on what you've told me, my first guess is that the shifter is loose.  Just make sure that the shifter lever (at the shift shaft) is nice and tight.  If it is, then the problem is internal, possibly a bent shifter fork.  That generally requires pulling and splitting the engine to repair.

Good luck.
FALCON