Stuck in gear!

[breckel]

Hi, I'm new to motorcycles, so needless to say I'm new to Magnas, but I just recently scored me a '83 V65 with 7k on it.  I was riding to work, when I couldn't down shift from fifth approaching a light.  There was no unusual sounds or lurching before it happened, just easy highway driving.  I was able to make it home, with some wear on the clutch I suspect, and have since opened the side cover to check things out.  My first findings on the internet were to check the return springs on the shift arm mechanism, both of which are fine.  I got to the point where I have to pull the clutch to see the whole shift arm assembly, but I don't have the special drive to pull it.  Any thoughts on what to check for now?  I'm in the Austin area, and could also use a suggestion for a good mechanic while we're on the subject.  Thanks for the help!

-breckel

[Jumbobret]

Does your clutch seem to be working?

[breckel]

Clutch seems fine.  I can fully disengage the transmission using the clutch to idle motionless.

Thanks,
-breckel

[Charles S Otwell]

Is the shift linkage moving or is it stuck too ?

[TLRam1]

When trying to downshift do you feel resistance as if the shift forks are hitting or turning something?

Worse case scenario would be a broken shift fork or maybe a dog ear on your gear is broke, I would think unlikely but possible, no one knows the history. I never had one of these apart....normally pulling the clutch will not allow you to see the transmission, you will have to split the cases. 

I don't know any mechanics in the Austin area...I know a couple who restore 2-strokes. if I could get in touch with them they might take a look at it for you....long shot as they've not been around lately.

I have first gear out in one of my bikes....cost was too much for a mechanic to repair so I replaced it myself. Maybe more than you want to do, you need a good diagnosis first. 

 

[breckel]

I think that I am ready to split the case....  Does anyone have or know of a transmission available?  Any leads help, as it's been hard sourcing a V65 Trans.  Thanks.

[Charles S Otwell]

This is one of the sites I use and also some of the members may chime in if they have any extra parts laying around, good luck..

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/items/Motorcycle-Parts__Magna?_dmd=1&_dmpt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&_pcats=6028%2C6000&_sacat=10063&_sop=10&_rdc=1

[TLRam1]

Arthur Hettler" <ahettler@hotmail.com>

[breckel]

Also, are there any interchangeable years as far as the transmission goes?  Was the transmission unchanged for a few years?

[dgc67]

I believe the transmission is the same 84-86 for the V-65.  I have heard there are known issues with both 2nd and 5th gear on the V65.

[breckel]

So the '83 is unique?

[dgc67]

Sorry, no, the 83 is the same.

[breckel]

Thanks for the info, DG.  Does anyone out there want to verify before I bid on an '85 trans up on ebay?

[silveradocowboy]

Looking at part numbers I have the '85 trans you are bidding on should be ok. Not real sure about the '86 yet. The parts numbers I have show over the years they changed a couple of the gears and the only one that stands out right now is the '86.

[Smoked U]

Let's post up here for John "Texass SS Tornado" He has several V65 parts bikes in his garage right now in various stages of disassembly. I'm sure he would be happy to assist you with something.