Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX


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bigsixman
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Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by bigsixman »

I just took my 1979 CBX out today and I noticed a shifting issue with it when you sometimes go through neutral, either going up or down. It only does it once and a while and it appears fine between 3rd, 4th and 5th.It seems to just not be a clean shift going through neutral and sometimes you have to fidget with the shift lever to get it down into low when you stop. It does not do it every time, but it never used to do that.

I looked up on the fiche and I see two springs in the shifting mechanism, any chance that it could be one of them?

Anybody else have an idea as to what the issue may be?

Thanks in advance.
1979 red CBX
1979 silver CBX

daves79x
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by daves79x »

First thing I'd do is take apart your shifter pivot and clean and grease it well. If you haven't serviced that in a while, it could be pretty stiff and cause your problem. Worth a try.

Dave

bigsixman
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by bigsixman »

I will certainly do that and hopefully that takes care of it. I am hoping that it is something simple because the bike has never been abused and only has 11,600 miles on it.
Thanks Dave for your suggestion.
1979 red CBX
1979 silver CBX

hondaman160mph
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by hondaman160mph »

Make sure your clutch is properly adjusted also.

bigsixman
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by bigsixman »

I appreciate the imput, I will check my bike out this weekend when I have some time and hopefully it is something minor.
1979 red CBX
1979 silver CBX

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Mello
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by Mello »

I second Dave's suggestion. Had a similar issue on a Kawasaki a few years back. Cleaned and lubed pivot, all good. Now part of regular maintenance.
"Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines." - Enzo Ferrari

bigsixman
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by bigsixman »

Cleaning and greasing the external shift mechanism cured the problem. The main issue was the main pivot was dry and was sticky. I cleaned the heim joints too and it now shifts like a new CBX.

Thanks to all that posted.
1979 red CBX
1979 silver CBX

daves79x
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by daves79x »

This is an often-neglected service that should be done every few years. Lubing rear brake spindle pivot, lever pivots also gives your CBX that 'new bike feel'.

Dave

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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by bigsixman »

It certainly makes sense Dave that the rear brake pivot could get sticky too. I appreciate your help.
1979 red CBX
1979 silver CBX

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asacuta
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Re: Shifting problems on a 1979 CBX

Post by asacuta »

I give these pivot points a spritz of WD-40 after every wash. Do the cables, foot pegs, locks, and hand levers too. People say WD-40 is a poor choice, but everything on the bike works silky smooth, and I've never had to disassemble and lube. I've tried LPS-1 and LPS-2 for this, but the WD-40 seems to work better.
Al

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