transmission will not shift to second

[78GS1KNH]

So - about a year ago i bought my GS1000 for $400 and figured it was worth the money, barely any rust, was laid down on one side but still ran great, although i was not able to get it tuned up and rtunning right until recently. Now, i have no problem getting into first gear, but it will just not pass neutral and go into second... am i screwed?

[78GS1KNH]

I just cant figure it out... what a pain!

[ronin1166]

Not necessarily screwed...but that depends on your definition of that word...

Are you mechanically-inclined? Got a shop manual? Access to tools? A place to work?

I'm not familiar with the GS1000, but it's very similar to the GS1100. I strongly suspect that you have some wrenching to do. Most likely a shift fork problem, but there's a couple of springs that fail occasionally too.

At the very least, the clutch cover and oil pan need to come off, for evaluation. I'm not sure if the oil pan can be removed with the engine in the frame...

Others will be by shortly. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. We are here to help.

Good Luck.

.

[spyug]

Sorry to hear of your problem. I'm experiencing a similar thing with my 82 Katana restoration. On the hoist, I can hand select all the gears up and down. On the road I can get into first and move the bike fine but shifting up doesn't happen. I've posted this problem on this and other boards but haven't received a definite answer. The closest I can figure is something to do with the selector drum or shift forks. I need to tear into it but frankly it has put me off doing anything else to this bike.

Have you tried it by hand when on a lift. If you raise the back wheel and turn the wheel forward as you try to hand shift it might tell you if it is shifting or is locked. I would also make sure you have the right level of oil in the bike. If its old, you likely should change it too.

I'd suspect you likely have the same problem as me but i hope I'm wrong.

Try and hand shift it and see if it does anything. Let us know what you find out.

Good luck with it.

cheers,
Spyug

[hampshirehog]

Before you pull it apart drain the oil, remove the sump and clean the gauze filter. Run some engine flush through there as well (just to be clear - don't start the motor). Put the sump back on and fill with fresh oil. The number of times this works makes it a must do.

If that doesn't work remove your clutch and check that the pawls are all in place and the little springs are free (and actually there!) - sometimes they can get stuck in place and you can't shift one way.

Other than that it's a take to bits job - bent or worn selector fork usually. PITA to sort but just long winded rather than complicated.

Just a thought - if it's been down on its side the gear change shaft could be bent - you'll see or feel that with the sprocket cover off.

[78GS1KNH]

ok, so let me bring you guys up to date

ok so i replaced the shift shaft when i bought the bike as the previous owner did leave it on its side. the shift shaft pin on the gear side was busted and would not spring back into position. i replaced the shift shaft with a perfect condition new old part i bought off ebay for $15. I've rebuilt the carbs myself, and sync'd them up good. So i'm somewhat mechanically inclined i just get a bit scared of my knowledge when you get me into the gearbox. Is the crankcase cover easily removed? will it mess with timing? I just got this thing running great too!

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. 78GS1KNH,

There may be a service manual for your bike on my website. Feel free to surf by and have a look.

Anyway, I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[sparki]

ok so i replaced the shift shaft when i bought the bike as the previous owner did leave it on its side. the shift shaft pin on the gear side was busted and would not spring back into position.

so have you ever had all gears present since you changed the shaft?

[78GS1KNH]

In all honesty i thought i did... but then i got into rebuilding the carbs, ditching the points and all about getting it running right. Hell the thing has 65k miles, but the compression is top notch across all 4. I remember it shifting into second before the shaft was replaced, but then again my memory slips me some days... I just have no money to get someone to do it for me, and dont have a lot of time on my hands. I found a website that sells everything but the gears and rods for the old suzuki's... (www.suzukipartsnation.com) I just wonder the fit of the parts and if they are OE stuff or not. The book says to use a gasket cement for joining the lower and upper half of the crankcase? I have some of this but will it withstand the heat?

[BadBillyB]

Sounds to me like the shift shaft teeth were not aligned properly when you put the shaft in it. Did you pull the clutch basket to install the newer shaft??....The teeth on the shift shaft have to be centralized with the teeth on the pawl holder...Check your manual for proper alignment.....Billy

[78GS1KNH]

I'm going to try this first to see if that works.... it makes a lot of sence. I'll remove the clutch basket this time too.. I kinda just put it in and made sure that it felt like it was working... Thank you billy for your advice! I'll keep you posted on my progress.... Worse comes to worse i'll have to pull the engine (which i reallly dont want to do at this point as i have no place to work on it...) Wish i was paid to work on this thing!!

[78GS1KNH]

BadBilly, Thank you so much for that tip. I have offically fixed that issue! Now on to fork seals and brakes then to register and inspect it!

Thank everyone on this forum for all their help too. You guys are awesome !

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I just wanted to say ...




I'm happy for your success. Good luck with the rest of your repairs.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff