Difficult 1st-to-2nd shift?

[OzJavelin]

My '79 GS550 is difficult to shift 1st-to-2nd gear. I have a couple of obvious problems:
1. The shift lever seems too long for my foot(?!); i.e. with the arch of my foot on the peg I can only get the very end of my toes under the lever.
2. The lever itself is quite loose in it's shaft; i.e. sideways movement.
3. I'm not sure that the linkage between the foot lever and the lever on the gearbox is the correct length.

I've tried changing the oil and mucking about with the linkage, but still quite difficult. If I pull my foot forward and inward when shifting it's a bit better but still not good.

How can I tell if it might also be a problem with the gearbox/clutch?

[Kcwiro]

No Worries

I have had this happen to me on many occasions. Seriously you likely have little to worry about, this could also me a simple idea your shoe your wearing when riding is not giving it enough umpf. you can move the resting position a touch on the shaft/I would look to make sure the guy is not chewed up and slipping on ya.

If i wear sneakers (size 8.5) instead of my boots as I should I have more trouble than if I just rode with boots now I just make sure my big toe is right there and if I am patient with it it shifts just fine, I don't expect speed shifting on this, I have found patience wins more times than not. You could try putting a larger boot over the shifter knob if you want for extra leverage Mine has been like that ever since I bought it and I think I have easily put 8000 miles on it like that no problems....In the four years I have been riding my GS I don't think transmission failure as ever crossed my mind...just replacing cables and clutch springs

Another note:

Just make sure you are not leaking any oil from the shaft area as oil leaks anywhere near tires is asking for trouble....otherwise enjoy the fine machine...hell mine is as old as I am and I love it!...I'm sure I have many years left to enjoy my well used machine

...Now if I could only get a new job so I can ride to work...

[cyclefvr2]

you might check the detent roller, it sits on the shift drum, a lot of times the roller wheel will ware out and become hard to shift, also tighten up the shifter ,on the shaft it will move ,and take more effore to shift on your part, this could be the problem as well

[OzJavelin]

you might check the detent roller, it sits on the shift drum, a lot of times the roller wheel will ware out and become hard to shift, also tighten up the shifter ,on the shaft it will move ,and take more effore to shift on your part, this could be the problem as well

I assume this is a partial pull apart project? (I have a Haynes manual somewhere)