Avoiding transmission lockup?

[OldGeezer]

I've read a few threads over the past few months about trannies locking up and the nasty consequences which can ensue.

It seems that a lot of the time it happens on the 04 to 06 bikes, either upshifting 2 to 3 or downshifting 3 to 2, and is the result of shift forks bending or wearing, is that the general concensus?

Is there any way to check the condition of the forks and tranny without cracking the case?

I'm getting too old to do bouncing backflips plus I'd hate to scracth my new axle sliders

 

[wolfo68]

I think most of them were happening on the 03's. and I don't believe there is a way to check without cracking the case.

 

[OldGeezer]

Hi wolfo68, Thanks. I kind of figured it was impossible to check, but I kind of hoped some of the XB gurus here knew something I didn't (which is pretty easy )

It is a little comforting to hear that it is mostly on the 03's.

I guess just keep an eye on the metal filings when changing the oil, though it just occured to me, I wonder if those snake video inspection tools could get in there and see anything? Hmmm, will see if one of my buddies has one and try it out next time I change oils.

 

[firefighter1c57]

I THINK, you can access the transmission with that little "snake" camera if you remove the primary cover, remove primary chain, remove cluths, then remove shift shaft, I THINK that the shift shaft hole goes all the way through, other wise, you're not going to see anything useful

 

[wolfo68]

you could pull the jugs and use one of those scopes I guess.

 

[OldGeezer]

Damn, I was hoping it would require less disassembly

Many thanks for the feedback. If I can borrow the camera and figure an easy way that works I'll let everyone know.

 

[wolfo68]

there really isn't a way through the primary cover or the cam cover.maybe pulling a cam out and going through the hole it's held in. I'm not sure if that'd work though. you'd have to loosen the rockers to get it back in though, and make sure it was lined up right and make sure your cam timing is correct afterward.

 

[wolfo68]

well there you go ^

that was kind of my assumption.

 

[Xb12armyguy]

Mine locked up on my 04, it was on the 3-2 down shift, it was at 16k miles and it had alot of wear on the shift drum and forks, the last guy rode this bike like he stole it,

 

[flaya564]

I posted this on another thread but looks to be more suited here...

You'll got me worried now. I have an 03 XB9S.
Are there any warning signs or things that come to mind after the fact?

I'm gonna be riding two up this season, for the first time and I would hate to launch my girlfriend off the bike.

Thank for any help.

 

[firefighter1c57]

thanks squid, I forgot all about the tranny vent. That would probably be the easiest way.

 

[OldGeezer]

Yes indeed, thanks squid, and everyone else that contributed ideas. I will mess around with this if I can borrow the snake cam and let you guys know how it goes. The tranny vent definitely makes it sound more possible. It won't happen for a week or so though.

In the meantime I guess the protocol is to shift gently and deliberately, it isn't a jap bike after all, especially as my 04 has 27k miles on it.

flaya564 I don't know how many members there are in total on the site, but my guess is that only a small percentage have had their tranny lock up and of those most didn't launch themselves or anyone else. It seems we read a lot about it because people post for help, the many who don't have the issue don't post about it. In all probability your bike may give you some hint, like not shifting as crisply, shifting harder, or dropping the shift, before it goes and locks up, (maybe the folks who've had the problem can tell us if in hindsight they noticed any warning signs) but yes it is a bit of a concern...

 

[OldGeezer]

Thanks squidbuellie, that was what I was getting at, the percentage that lock up must be very small. I'm still riding mine I just think that IF it is possible to inspect the shift forks before they fail you might save some money and not run the small risk of the lock up and any further damage to the tranny or bike. It is just another PM item if it is possible