89 KDX200. Shifting into 2nd is TOUGH! Is it the gear?Fork?

[kxdude4]

Hey guys!

I was gifted (a Buddy passed on) a KDX200, 1989, and with a little patience I got it running and riding! The only problem it has is that it''s hard to shift into 2nd. At a stand-still, I can hold in the clutch and reach down and pull the shifter up and attain 2nd - and it'll stay there. Easily shift to 3rd, 4th, etc... IF I start in 1st, and then pull in the clutch, I can eventually get 2nd (it seems that there can't be any friction on the gears - like the motor is revving right between up and idle). I've never fooled with gears nor splitting the cases but I Imagine that this has to be something to do with either the gears themselves or the shifting forks. Would you more "seasoned" Vets give me a bit of advice on what the probable culprit is? Sometimes, trouble-shooting involves looking at the obvious or most common reasons for the failure, and then systematically delving deeper. How should I attack this problem?

Thanks for any help!!!!

KXDude4
Scott

[6 Riders]

Start by changing the oil. A lot of us use trans fluid for hard shifting bikes, but use any non energy conserving oil.

[bufftester]

If the oil change doesn't help then unfortunately sounds like probable shift fork issue. You can start by pulling the right side cover and checking the shift detent pawl/spring, shifter and return spring. (just search for shift return spring) If that all looks good then your next step is to split the cases

[ohgood]

Hey guys!

I was gifted (a Buddy passed on) a KDX200, 1989, and with a little patience I got it running and riding! The only problem it has is that it''s hard to shift into 2nd. At a stand-still, I can hold in the clutch and reach down and pull the shifter up and attain 2nd - and it'll stay there. Easily shift to 3rd, 4th, etc... IF I start in 1st, and then pull in the clutch, I can eventually get 2nd (it seems that there can't be any friction on the gears - like the motor is revving right between up and idle). I've never fooled with gears nor splitting the cases but I Imagine that this has to be something to do with either the gears themselves or the shifting forks. Would you more "seasoned" Vets give me a bit of advice on what the probable culprit is? Sometimes, trouble-shooting involves looking at the obvious or most common reasons for the failure, and then systematically delving deeper. How should I attack this problem?

Thanks for any help!!!!

KXDude4
Scott

pull the clutch case cover and look inside. shifting problems are usually very easily seen once that cover is off.

it's a very simple mechanism to understand, once it's in front of you. i would imagine a problem with one of these:

shifting drum bolt is loose
shifting shaft is bent
shifting selector (pushes the drum up/down) spring is worn/broken or the assembly is jammed up with clutch pack material

changing to cheap ATF fluid should do a world of good for your shifting. if that doesn't do it, toss the bike on the side, pull the cases, and look inside.

[kxdude4]

Thanks Guys!!!
The fluid is very new and I already do use ATF! (My KX250, 97, is still my favorite bike, and ATF has always been the call for the grabby clutch! :-) ).
I need to get a little time from work, but I'll check all the things advised... I hope it isn't a case splitting issue although I guess ya gotta learn and do it sometime, huh?!?! :-)
THANK YOU to all for giving me a starting point!!!!!