05 Night Train w/ 5 speed. I can go from 1st to 2nd gear but that is all. The shift lever won't return to its normal position. It stays up and won't let me shift into 3rd gear. Any suggestions? New trans fluid last fall and its full.

 

First lube the shaft that the shift lever is on. Follow the linkage from the shift lever back and make sure the connections are tight and the linkage is lubricated. Could be binding. Next check the return spring on the shift pawl. Next the shift drum spring.

 

Make sure the linkage is not binding and moves freely.

Be sure the shift lever at the transmission is not loose on the shaft.

 

Thanks guys. Took to my mechanic earlier today. First thing he looked at was where the shift lever pivots at the frame. Sure enough it was siezed up. Pulled it off, knocked the rust off it, greased it up and it works like new. Simple fix and cost me 10 bucks. I noticed before that the lever wasn't moving that freely but never would have guessed it wouldn't let me shift

 

Apologies for re-hashing an old thread...

Just wanted to point out how awesome this place is.

Changed my battery this morning and took the bike out for a quick spin (it's been sitting for a little while)... and the bike would not shift out of third gear. Limped it home in a bit of a panic... searched the board... found this thread... pulled my linkage from the frame and cleaned and greased it. Bike shifts perfect now.

Saved me a lot of hassle and worry (and money).

Love this forum.

 

Yup...it's a good source of tech info, and some light entertainment. Congrats on using the search feature and fixin it yourself.

 

Good idea to lube that shaft at every service.Bike that is!