Bike pops in & out of second gear

[smd753]

So I've fully succumbed to this addiction and purchased my second bike yesterday. A '97 ZX9r with 17,000 miles on it.

I got a very good deal (way below bluebook trade-in value) and it did come with the typical cosmetic issues (scratches and small cracks in cowling, etc.)

It does have one problem I'm concerned about: When I'm accelerating and I shift into 2nd gear, it behaves as if it doesn't want to stay in 2nd. It "jumps" back and forth between 2nd and neutral. If I upshift to 3rd and run through the rest of the gears it's fine.

I'm hoping this is more an adjustment problem rather than a transmission rebuild problem. The rest of the bike seems solid. The engine seems to be very smooth and strong.

If I wind up spending hundreds of dollars on tis problem, I just figure it's kismet from getting such a good deal on the bike.

Anyone had a similar problem?

[Karaya One]

Too many hard first to second gear shifts. It's gonna be gears and shift forks. I've dealt with this enough with Yamahas that Kawi is no different.

There is nothing really to adjust. Just replace. Hopefully, you can just remove the bottom end without have to remove the top end, too.

[MikeyZ]

Replace the tranny/engine or rebuild

[jwm2k3]

well smd753, if thats you in your avatar, then theres your answer....


Seriously though, its popping in and out of gear because its been hammered on. Nothing that cant be fixed so dont worry. Ive seen it eleventy one billion times.

[Stromper]

Yes it has to come apart

you may, may be able to have the dogs ground/trimed and maybe a new shift fork and she'ld be OK

Some have a detent on the clutch cover side but rarely.

Its an old tank just short shift to 3rd. Screw 2nd you don't need it

[smd753]

Thanks for all the input guys. I'm a little bummed but I guess I can't complain too much considering the deal I got. I suppose I need to balance in my life 'cause my Shadow has been flawless (there, now I"ve jinxed it).

As Stromper says, I'll short-shift through the rest of this riding season and decided whether to fix / sell over the winter.

And no, jwm, that's not me in my avatar, but the way I love food it could be if I let it.

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Does it do it on The Downshift?

[smd753]

Does it do it on The Downshift?

Well I feel foolish. I haven't ridden the bike enough to try it out on the downshift.

Might that indicate a different problem than worn dogs or a bent fork?

[stoinkythepig]

It's a longshot, but before you try anything else, take the shift lever off the pivot, clean it up and re-lube it. The grease on there gets sticky and makes shifting awful.