Shifter problem 75 GL1000

[BaronBigDog]

All of a sudden the shifter on my GL1000 will not return to center. It is very stiff. It feels like the spring is OK as I can feel some spring action, but it definitely does not move freely as it did two days ago. Any suggestions as to what would cause this? The transmission shifts fine, but I have to center the shift lever with my toe to either upshift of downshift.

I recently changed the water pump and my first thought was antifreeze in the oil due to an internal leak, but when I drained the oil it was pristeen. It worked great a couple of days ago and today when I took it around the block I got a very dismal surprise. It took me a few minutes to figure what was happening. Makes it a bit tough to ride.

[Sagebrush]

What gasket did you use on the transmission cover? The clearance between the inside of the cover and the shifting mechanism is very tight. Reusing a gasket or using a too thin gasket or over torquing the bolts can cause interference. Usually replacing the gasket and torquing to specs will solve the problem. Make sure and use a torque wrench, it is very easy to over torque and compress the gasket too much leading to interference.

[BaronBigDog]

New gaskets everywhere and it worked fine for about two weeks.

[WingAdmin]

New gaskets everywhere and it worked fine for about two weeks.

This is a common problem when low-quality gaskets are used. I know virtually everyone who used front cover gaskets bought from Saber Cycle encounter this problem.

The problem is that the clearance inside the front cover between the front cover itself and the shifter mechanism is extremely tight. When a low quality (i.e. thin paper) front cover gasket is used, you loose a few thousandths of an inch in clearance - which is enough for the shifter mechanism to contact the inside of the front cover.

The solution is to remove the front cover and put a new gasket in place.

The problem can also occur if the front cover bolts are torqued beyond specification, compressing the gasket too much.

[BaronBigDog]

Thanks much. Sounds like the problem. I really don't remember the brand name of the gaskets, but I did not buy them from Sabre. I got them on eBay from a vendor in Florida, but I do not remember the name. I have heard about Saber and avoided them. As to torque, I did not use a torque wrench as I reused the Phillips style screws and torqueing them required too many hands, but I doubt that I got too much torque on a screwdriver.

I will get a genuine Honda gasket, if I can find one, and pull the front cover again. I will order stainless socket head screws and replace the cross tips. Then I can properly torque them. I have done most of the scooter with stainless socket heads already.

[BaronBigDog]

The gasket set was by KP and I got it from dascycle. I do not know if the gaskets meet OEM specs or not, but I will go with a Honda gasket next time. (If I can find one) My local Honda dealer is not that stellar on old sooters.

[sfruechte]

If they're over-torqued, you might try just backing them off a hair and see if it makes any difference.

[BaronBigDog]

Thanks much. I tried that, but when I got the shifter free I had a leak. I just finished disassembling it two hours ago. Now I have to put it back together properly.

I won't have it back together for a few days as we are expecting bad weather and my garage is otherwise occupied so I work on it in the carport when I am doing any major work. Other than that it sits crosswise in front of my project Cutlass. Too many projects, too little room.