Hi Yamahaland citizens, XT600E cold motor gear shift problem
 

Hi to the XT600 collective consciousness!

I don't usually hang out here in Yamahaland but a friend of mine has a '98 XT600E that she bought new and rode overland England-NZ. It's done about 60,000km and has had the engine serviced when it should. Recently it had a top end rebuild (rings, valves and seals) by an experienced and qualified mechanic who has XT experience. Since then it has developed a weird shift problem. It's impossible to select 1st, 2nd or 3rd when the engine is cold. 4th and 5th are fine and it makes no difference if the motor is running or the bike is mobile or stopped. When the bike is warmed up, 3rd comes back first and then a bit after the other gears are no problem at all.

I (and several others) have checked the clutch adjustment, and someone even took the clutch out to check it, so I don't think it's that.... The oil has been changed.

I know it probably means going inside, but does anyone have suggestions on what to look out for? It's important that we get it right as it will be doing a lap of Aussie early next year.

Cheers all,

Nigel in NZ

Very strange. Cant suggest anything except to check chain tension.

Sounds like the selector forks or the dogs on the gears are either very worn or broken.

It happens poor gear changing, clutchless shifts or low oil levels for sustained period of time..

Before diving straight into the engine and splitting the cases check the the selector mecahism (outside of cases) are exactly how they should be. No broken spring or anything else etc !

Obviously, its imperative that you know your clutch is fine first. It could be siezing when cold but unlikely if it's been "properly" checked.

If you havnt got a manual GET ONE NOW !!

Thanks for your thoughts guys. I have not actually ridden the bike, so maybe I should pop around and try it.

Cheers

Nigel in NZ

Second thoughts.....

If this is definately due to temperature, the only really temperature sensitve component involved is the clutch and the oil..

The oil temp isnt going to stop gears selecting but a sticking clutch might !!

I would be 100% sure about the clutch before you go any deeper..

Ed