75 KZ400 won't shift into 2nd

  • 88rings
  • 88rings's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 3
  • Thanks: 0

75 KZ400 won't shift into 2nd

26 Jul 2019 14:12
#808189
Hey guys, I am looking at buying a KZ400 from a local guy, the bike is in great shape, has been cafe'd out. Only problem I noticed is the bike will not always shift into 2nd. Like I can be pulling up very aggressively and it will not shift up. I managed to get it into 2nd twice while test riding the bike. So my question is, do I run away from this bike? It is well priced for the modifications it has done although I am worried about this gear issue. Is this a common problem? Any insight as to what I would need to do to fix it would be great. Thanks.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Scirocco
  • Scirocco's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Premium Member
    Registered
  • Never change a running system
  • Posts: 4420
  • Thanks: 2268

Re: 75 KZ400 won't shift into 2nd

26 Jul 2019 14:42
#808192
To Switch into the 2nd gear the out put shaft (front sprocket) had to rotate or the bike should be moving. It´s a special Kawasaki neutral gear finder Feature.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 88rings
  • 88rings's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 3
  • Thanks: 0

Re: 75 KZ400 won't shift into 2nd

26 Jul 2019 14:53 - 26 Jul 2019 19:00
#808194
Scirocco wrote: To Switch into the 2nd gear the out put shaft (front sprocket) had to rotate or the bike should be moving. It´s a special Kawasaki neutral gear finder Feature.


I read this about the Kawasaki's , every time I tried to get into 2nd I was moving.
Last edit: 26 Jul 2019 19:00 by 88rings.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • loudhvx
  • loudhvx's Avatar
  • Offline
  • KZr Legend
  • KZr Legend
    Registered
  • Posts: 10864
  • Thanks: 1619

Re: 75 KZ400 won't shift into 2nd

27 Jul 2019 10:02
#808246
Maybe the shifter is loose and is not able to travel far enough? With it being a cafe, maybe some of was made to the shift lever and foot pegs?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • 88rings
  • 88rings's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 3
  • Thanks: 0

Re: 75 KZ400 won't shift into 2nd

27 Jul 2019 14:15
#808265
That may be the case. If I ended up buying the bike, I know I would have to take off the cover to see if the problem is A. Gunk on the inside not allowing free movement B. Clutch push rod adjustment. C. Stripped Gear or D. Shifter adjustment/etc.

Just needing help deciding if t his bike is worth my time to try and fix or if I should just pass on it. I'm not a mechanic by no means but i'm not afraid to try to crack it open and see.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • gavroyer
  • gavroyer's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 101
  • Thanks: 15

Re: 75 KZ400 won't shift into 2nd

31 Jul 2019 15:45
#808504
I know this is somewhat basic, but double check that the shifter isn't hitting the alternator cover. Also, look very carefully if the RPMs drop at all when you shift into first. If the clutch is dragging a bit, it could be very hard to get the bike into 2nd.
1980 KZ440-A1 LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
Powered by Kunena Forum