Shifting on 79 XS750

cruzer_dave · Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:17 pm Post subject: Shifting on 79 XS750

So a friend turned me on to this site. There's a lot of cool stuff on here but I couldn't find any info on what's going on with my "new to me" XS750. I fixed all the stuff that traditionally goes wrong with these bikes (petcocks, second gear, electrics, etc) but I have a question on the shifting.

When I shift it down to first there's no firm stop like other bikes I've ridden. I can shift into first and then make the shift lever move again (like I'm going to shift again). The lever will keep making the shift (the transmission is in first and the bike rides fine there), but I'm concerned that something is missing/broken in the transmission. I'd like to know if this is normal for these bikes or if something is broken or missing. I've got the side covers off now and have access to the shifting parts (but not the transmission or shift drum). I can split the case if there's a risk of breaking something or stranding myself down the road but if there's an easy fix then I'd rather not open her all the way up.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Dave

zjeppe · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 1:58 am Post subject:

I've had bikes with both possibilities, i.e. after first, it won't move down anymore(or up after highest gear) or..it keeps on moving up or down without engaging something Idea

KirkN · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 8:13 am Post subject:

Yep - same for me.

Some bikes can be pressed down ("below" first) and lifted up ("above" 5th or 6th) repeatedly, while others can not. Just depends on the shifter drum / mechanism design.

Nothing broken, so no worries.

Welcome aboard and be sure to post pictures of your new bike! And, not to drive you away from THIS great site right off, but there's a site dedicated to the Yamaha triples out there. I don't remember the exact name, but Google will. I belonged to it 5 or 6 years ago when I owned a '77 XS750 briefly. Lots of great info over there...

Kirk