Gearbox problems

ScottyNSR · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2010 Karma :

I just stuck a post in the new bikers section.

I'm over the moon with my new bike, however i've had to take it off the road Sad

It's been acting up on me, when I got back home it would go into second gear and no lower, after phoning my mate, he said to rock the bike a little and knock it down. Which worked.....excellent. Until I went for a quick ride and realised it won't go any higher than second!! 1st, N, 2nd.....then the selector is just solid!!

I'm gutted but wondered if anyone had ever had the same problem? Do I need a new box?!?! I've checked the selector for any obvious signs, adjusted the clutch top and bottom to no avail.

Any help or advice greatly appreciated!!

Scotty

27cows · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Karma :

I doubt it's the gearbox itself. Possibly the selector drum tracks worn/damaged or maybe a bent/damaged selector fork.

Many years ago on my aged RXS I encountered a similar problem and I cured it by shortening the detent bearing spring. The detent bearing engages against another bearing on the end of the selector drum. I don't know why mine started acting up, but after shortening the spring slightly, and thus reducing the pressure of one bearing against the other, the gearchange was fine. Might be worth a look before pulling the motor apart.
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

It could be your chain is too tight. It needs to have 3cm of movement on the lower chain run at its tightest point.
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ScottyNSR · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2010 Karma :

Thanks gents, i'll have a look at the chain tomorrow just to double check. I'm a novice so will need any in depth work done by someone who knows what they're doing!!

I was a bit confused as from Harrogate to Newcastle it was perfect, not a glitch and then this!! Gutted to, dyyyying to get out on it!!

How come you doubt its the box itsself?? Not a common thing??
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Vincent · Banned Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Karma :

The gearbox is made up of many parts - shafts, gears, selector shafts, selector forks, bearings etc, etc, it's unlikely that the entire box is kaput. Have you checked that it has oil inside?

27cows · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Nov 2009 Karma :

The gearbox cogs and shafts are made from immensely strong hardened steel are rarely wear significantly unless a huge mileage has been reached, the box has been exposed to a lack of oil/oil changes or some kind of other mechanical failure has occurred to contribute directly to gearbox damage.

It's very likely the problem is a simple one that can be quite easily put right.
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ScottyNSR · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2010 Karma :

Well that's mighty fine news!! It's going accross to my mates garage tonight, to be looked at tomorrow!! He seems to think it'll be an easy-ish fix, just to do with the selector!! Fingers crossed he's right!!

Following that, it needs a good wash, then i'll get some pictures up!!

Thanks again
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Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

Low gearbox oil could be a possibility, but my money would be on a really filthy linkage jamming up.

Cheapest problem first.

ScottyNSR · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2010 Karma :

WELL!! On doing a walk around on the bike, checking all fluids etc. I seen that the gearbox oil was not low.....it didn't register on the scale!!

So, i've filled it up, done the 2stroke while I was on, but i'm guessing I now have a broken gearbox?!?!

It does still go into 1st, N & 2nd.....but does weird things like.....start it up, stick it in 1st and it stalls, try to restart but its trying to pull away etc.

In a nut shell, i'm hoping that it's gonna be an easy enough fix and i'll get the phone call tomorrow to tell me it's all done and dusted......however, i'm not building my hopes up too high!!
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serlant · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 Jul 2009 Karma :

it trying to pull away while you stick it into gear will be the clutch plates sticking(or badly adjusted) if the clutch is engaged it doesn't matter what gear you stick it in it shouldn't stall because the crank wouldn't have any connection to the transmission.

edit, you didn't say you pulled the clutch in, but i'm guessing so, otherwise its expected?

ScottyNSR · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2010 Karma :

Yeah I had the clutch pulled in. If it's the clutch plates sticking....or badly adjusted would that cause it to not go any higher than second??

It's in the garage today getting the selector looked at!!
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Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

A few things to consider here.

1. The obvious one. Running it with very little oil causes accelerated wear, but sometimes you can get away with more than you would expect.

2. Bike clutches run wet, in the gearbox oil. An easy way to get some oil into it is to tie the clutch lever back overnight with a cable tie, to hold the plates apart.

3. You need to consider where the oil was going, seeing as it shouldn't get used up and you haven't mentioned any leaks. There are seals between the gearbox and crank chamber, which can wear over time and let the engine suck in (and burn) gearbox oil. If these are knackered they need fixing, which is an engine apart job. Combine that with a knackered gearbox, and a good used engine is more viable.

4. Don't buy a bike off someone with clean fingernails. Definately don't buy a bike off someone wearing sportswear, or struggling with writing.

ScottyNSR · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2010 Karma :

I'm not sure how much home work the previous done on it, on buying it he seemed to know what he was doing, kept on top of it in general etc. But i'm starting to think he didn't. He's yet to have the phone call. I'm gonna see what's wrong with it first.

There was some fluid on the floor of the van after taking it from my house to the garage, but the tanks pretty full of petrol, so thought it might just be the carb overflow??

Just gonna see what's wrong and go from there. GUTTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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DrDonnyBrago · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jan 2010 Karma :

TUG · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 May 2007 Karma :

If the lever has an adjustment rod on it then make sure its not making contact with that. If its not that then it could be something stuck in the drum, its easy to get at, just find out what side its on and see if somethings stuck in there.
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