Sometimes it won't go into 3rd gear. The oil filter is routed wrong and rubs the shift linkage but this can't be the reason it won't shift. The clutch is a mother to pull but I can just fine. Would be almost impossible for a woman. I don't know why it's like that.
&nbsp\\;
This is the early 5 speed.
&nbsp\\;
First bike. Got a sweet deal, just needs some work to get her right.
&nbsp\\;
Thanks!

 

Probably just needs clutch adjustment...get a clymers or HD service manual, clutch adjustment is pretty simple...disconnect clutch cable/open clutch access on primary/loosen locking nut /tighten adjustment nut then back off according to spec (sorry can't remember right now but i think it is 3/4 turn)/tighten locking nut/ attach cable and adjust cable linkage for proper play of hand clutch.
&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;
The '86 and earlier models are notoriously difficult to pull...cable lube may help...if you have much resistance, may be a frayed cable, replace clutch cable.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; If it is too much of a bear, you can update the clutch pull assemble to the later styly...do a search and you'll find some info on that here on the board.

 

I agree - most likely an adjustment issue. Check the lever on the shift shaft (side of trans) be sure it's not loose. Also, the steel plates in the clutch seldom fail, but the discs can swell or warp, especially if the wrong fluid is used or they are improperly installed, initially. Do get a manual - there is another critical adjustment for the clutch, easy to check and/or do but takes too long to type it out..........

 

Thanks. I have the Clymers manual. I'll read up on the adjustment. Please LMK if I need to HD manual as well.
&nbsp\\;
The bike has drag bars installed and a clutch lever with the inclosed finger side. Not sure the proper name for this or if it even matters.
&nbsp\\;
Thanks already! Hoping this wasn't a trans issue. Approx 35,000 miles on the bike.

 

lube your cable while your at it.

 

The Clymers should be sufficient for clutch adjustment and most other minor /medium service...Having HD service manual and parts catalog helps for cross referencing and clarification between the different descriptions, so you might want to pick them up someday if you end up doing most service work yourself.
&nbsp\\;
If the bike is mostly stock, then 35k on tranny is barely broken in...if it hasn't been abused it should go well over 100k...I am at 150k, never had a tranny prob yet...and most say it is close to bullet proof.

 

I had a really hard time breaking the lock nut loose. I think it was overtightend. I've tried following the manual and the&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;clutch adjustments the easy way thread. It's a bit confusing to me. But that's cause this is all new. I tried to adjust it and put it all back together, I don't have something right. First of all, I couldn't get the lock nut to&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;get tight. It just spins. So I must not have the adjustment screwed in far enough. Plus, it's&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;going into 3rd now but not 5th. So I must be getting closer to being correct I guess.
&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;
Also, any tips on seating the gasket? It seems too small and keeps poping up on the bottom before I can get the cover back on.
&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;
Thanks. Looking forward to knocking out another minor fix on this bike.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;