I posted this on xl and got nothing, so I'll try here.

Once in a while, when shifting into 3rd gear, the bike shifts, I accelerate, and it seems to briefly pop out, rev a bit, and then go right back into 3rd. It almost feels like the primary or final drive chain skip a tooth or something, and then it's fine.

Both chains are adjusted and clutch engagement is fine. I changed primary fluid and found nothing but clean oil, nothing at all on the magnetic plug, not even "fuzz" or whatever it's called.

I cannot make it do it on purpose, and 99.9% of the time it never does this. I'm pretty sure I'm not soft shifting, been riding this bike for 22 years and I'm the original owner. My shift peg rubber is pretty worn, but I try to always give it a good strong shift motion.

Any ideas? I don't ride the bike hard and have never abused her.

Year: 1991 Miles: 13,200 (Yep, she's a garage queen more than she should be)

John

 

So, no one on xlforum.net or here has a conjecture on this issue?

Come on, it's not all about carb problems.

John

 

Worn or bent shift fork. If it was mine I'd take it apart, you can't beat visual inspection in cases like this.

 

I knew someone would respond, thank you. It's such an infrequent and weird event, maybe I should just see what happens. Pulling the tranny is my last resort if necessary. Like I said, I'm the only person to ride her, and I've never abused the shift mechanisms.

I'm going to check the primary chain and clutch adjust, but it runs perfectly other than this infrequent and random glitch.

My theory is that I need to get her out and put some miles on and see if it gets worse or just goes away. Unfortunately, she has sat at times more than I should let her, I'm going to make up for that.

Especially at $6/gallon gas here in San Diego.

John