Help. Kickstart shifts trans from N to 1st

My 1971 Commando just developed a new quirk. When trying to kickstart, I get one kick down and the transmission shifts into gear at the bottom of the stroke. I need more than one kick to start my bike. I have disassembled and cleaned the clutch plates in the vain and uneducated hope that this might have something to do with the problem. It didn't, although when the bike is running again I am sure this will have been a good exercise. I have had this bike for 20 years, 50,000 miles. Rebuilt the engine, brakes, forks - never been inside the gearbox. Before I open Pandoras box has anyone else ever had a similar experience or any idea of what might be going on? Thanks, Tom

Sounds like it's time to pull the cluster, flush out the box and check what's what.

Might need to remove the clutch, loosen the rear engine mount bolts and lift the power unit up, then extract the tranny and overhaul it completely.

Sure wouldn't hurt to have peace of mind.

Grandpaul thanks. Sounds like the way to go.

grandpaul said:

Sounds like it's time to pull the cluster, flush out the box and check what's what.

Might need to remove the clutch, loosen the rear engine mount bolts and lift the power unit up, then extract the tranny and overhaul it completely.

Sure wouldn't hurt to have peace of mind.

Click to expand...

I don't know if I would pull the tranny to overhaul it. I'd probably open it up on the bike and look for something obvious. I wonder if something broke and is lodged in a bad place.

I vote the 1st thin bush and others has busted/worn to allow angle bind with KS motion. Nothing for it but dig into its guts left in frame or out on bench.

Thanks guys.
The transmission is coming out and onto the bench this week and I will post what I find.
While its out it gets new genuine bushings, bearings etc.

Its not a hard job just follow the book and you can't go wrong.

Ashley