I think I must have bent something while trying to put my bike in 5th gear when I had it on the stand. I was fighting it pretty hard. Now, it is hard to shift. Kind of a crunchy feel, not smooth like it was. Especially hard to down shift. Any idea what to check? Thanks

 

Fifth gear on a stand is not necessary for anything I can think of, sorry can't help on this one, except check your linkage.

 

I had to put it in 5th to be able to turn the engine to adjust my push rods.

 

I figured as much but first or second is just fine with the plugs out.

 

I always use 5th.

 

Of course you do.... why would someone agree with me ???
So why fifth gear when first will move the motor with less revolutions ?

 

I do it 'cause it's easier to spin the wheel.

 

All of the instructions say to put the bike in its highest gear with the plugs removed. It was still difficult to spin the wheel. Ever try to push your bike in first gear? I bet you can in 5th. Anyway, I must have bent a shift fork or something. This is going to get expensive...

 

Yeah, you wouldn't push or pop start your bike in first gear because the plugs are in,compression changes that aspect of it, third or fourth to push start. Anyho...hope you didn't screw up anything internally.

 

Unless you were prying on the shifter with a crowbar I doubt you hurt anything in your tranny.

The last time mine was hard to shift it turned out that the lock nuts loosened on the heim joints on the shifter shaft.