2013 KX450 1st gear won't up shift to neutral while engine is running and will select 2nd. Selects neutral from 2nd by lightly depressing gear lever while engine is running.

This sounds like a linkage or linkage bush has failed. Open the bonnet and find the linkages on the transmission, (gearbox), housing. It should have 2 heavy cables attached to it. Get a helper to work through the gears and watch the linkages and cables move. The linkage should move everytime the gear stick is moved. The cables should also have no slackness to them. If the cables are slack or the linkage doesn't move everytime get a good mechanic to look at it.
Changing bushes and cables involves crawling around underneath the car and trying to get up behind the engine so a mechanic has the tools and vehicle lifts to make this a lot quicker and easier.

Hi there,

Some automatic vehicles rely on the brake switch (mounted on brake pedal) to be activated by depressing brake pedal. This signal then operates a relay and switch, to release the gear lever.

Firstly, I would check the brake pedal switch (are your brake lights working?).

If brake switch is confirmed OK, then inspect the relay (and related circuit components) of the gear release switch.

If I've understood your problem correctly.....when changing from 1st gear into second the box is giving a metal on metal crunching sound?

• This would be the syncromesh ring which is not equalizing the speed correctly.
• The problem usually happens when there is wear on the same part.
• Check to make sure that the correct transmission fluid has been used in the box.
• To alleviate the problem and delay the time when it will require attention, use the double de- clutch method of changing gears, especially when the transmission is cold.
• The double de-clutch is carried out in the following way.

1. When in gear and changing from 1st gear to 2nd, change into neutral and release the clutch and then depress again before selecting 2nd gear....It is not required to rev the engine in the neutral position when changing up....
2. When changing down rev the engine when the shift lever is in neutral for each change.

You'll soon get the hang of it and stop the crunching sound, protecting the box at the same time....
Regards Johngee

No, engine oil would have no effect on the transmission. When a big twin will not shift the problem is usually in the transmission. To test this, try to shift the transmission from first to fifth gear without the engine running. Rock the bike forward and backwards while trying to shif the gears. If you can go all the way up and back down, the transmission is alright.

If not and you can only shift from first to second, check the shift lever where it attaches to the shifter pawl shaft. Make sure that it is tight and not slipping. If it is tight and not slipping, it is probably your shifter pawl return spring.

With the transmission in neutral, lift the shifter lever with your hand until just before it shifts. Feel the spring tension. Now, depress the lever until just before it shifts into first gear. Does the spring tension feel the same in both directions? If not, the spring is probably broken. Do NOT start the engine if this is the case as further damage can be done to the transmission. To repair this requires a major disassembly of the transmission and is usually beyond the capability of those other than trained mechanics.

Good Luck
Steve

Some trans were notorious for being hard to find neutral. When in first and you want to go into neutral, put slight pressure on the shift lever, blip throttle and slip lever into neutral. It has something to do with pressure release on the clutch plates.

sounds like the shift drum in it that selects the gears is getting worn out or maybe the dog legs on the forks for the gears its self. my try changing the fuilds and flushing it out. to see if it helps.

Sounds like a bent shift fork of broken dog gear. Try cleaning the inside of trans with part light oil and solvent. (not fuel) Rock bike a few times and shift gears, Do not start. Keep doing so untill shifting gets easier. If this does not work. Try starting it one time and shift easy. Do not force. Still no luck - Split cases and repair