First Gear Issue

[JP50515]

Hey guys, so I just got a new Yamaha XS 650 today. It's a 1977 model.

The issue i'm having is that when I shift into first gear this is what happens.

*pull the clutch and downshift - No issues

*Start releasing the clutch - Bike moves forward smoothly

*get to the end of the clutch release and bike "grinds" (intensity varies depending on amount of throttle)

*bike says screw you grind, goes into gear and is fine for the rest of the gears...


Any Ideas?

Thanks

[GiveItToMikey]

The first problem is you got rid of the Honda and picked up a Yahaha.

(Just kidding -- sort'a)

Since it isn't exactly a 'new' bike (in fact quite old actually) it could be a number of things -- from sour oil to a (soon to be) shot first gear and lots of in-betweens.

I know I'm not helping much but I felt I had to contribute 'something' other than just bashing Yahahas.

[Offday]

I know you don't want to hear this. But I read and also posted in your
"New bike pics" thread.
Your gonna have to tear it down and split the cases and go through it.
Best to do it now before the trans spits a gear and causes some
major damage. You don't want a cracked case.
There's a lot of people building the old 650's and there's still
parts available. From what you said in your other post this
isn't the only issue your having. Time for a rebuild.
I hope you didn't spend all your money from the raiden on this.
Starting to sound like the PO saw you coming.

Might be a good idea to see if you can find a XS forum and talk to
some of those guys. They would have experience with those and
probably be more help than fishing for answers here.
But by all means stick aorund and keep us posted. I like the old 650 twins
and would like to see how of all turns out. Good luck.

[John Hopkins]

Take a look at the clutch fluid in the master cylinder, it should be clear..

John.