Locked Up

I think best plan is to remove primary outer cover and see what is happening when trying to pull clutch in. If plates have locked together then taking them apart/cleaning may sort it (need the clutch spring plate compressor...see Haynes manual on a easy DIY option or buy the proper tool from supplier like Walridge in Ontario). Trying to operate kicker while observing clutch stack should reveal if clutch is trying to turn the primary chain or if nothing it moving at all issue likely within the gb...something failed or come apart.
 
Thank you for the advice. I'm trying to find someone in the Toronto, Canada area but it proving very difficult.
IF the Trans was in gear, the sprocket would move a little due to the "backlash in the engagement "dogs". If It is firmly locked up, that is a different ball game.

It is a real B---tch to put a chain on if you pull the old one out, You want to use the old chain to pull the new one in.

An OEM Reynold's chain is narrower width wise than a the standard 530 chain and they can rub the inner clutch cover. but it would still spin (usually).

To help give you clearance you put the master link clip to the inside IF you are using an aftermarket chain.

You should be able to poke the front sprocket with a rod and see if it will budge.

I really helps for a bike to shift when you spin the trans, by rocking the bike on wheels or spinning the rear tire .

I would drain the clutch, trans and oil tank as well as the engine base and look for debris or metal flakes, That is the first when I do when I get a "new" bike.
 
"An OEM Reynold's chain is narrower width wise than a the standard 530 chain and they can rub the inner clutch cover. but it would still spin (usually)"

The correct chain is actually 10B not 530.
 
@Tornado. The chain is now off and the wheel moves freely. But the gears still won't change and the kickstart lever is stuck. How do I adjust the g/b bolt assembly? When I pull the clutch lever, I can see the cable pulling inside gearbox and something rotating.
Does the thing you see rotating have 2 slots in it that look like a spanner type wrench might fit?
Locked Up
 
Cutting up a chain for removal is not normal.
There's a reason. I'm thinking this thing locked up 30 yrs ago.
Momentarily freed it self a little. Now locked up again.
I would never trust this thing.
A full gearbox teardown is in order.
Get the 'Gear Box Servicing' and have at it.

Edited.. I want to add that the 'Layshaft' bearing is a known weakness that will cause the trans to lock up.
It may have let loose or is trying to.
Search 'Layshaft bearing' on this website.
You will find that it is good practice to replace just because....
 
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@concours This is my first bike ever. I'm a classic car guy but I inherited the bike from my father-in-law since I was the only one who ever showed interest in it.
Well, then, unlike a car, a motorcycle transmission needs either the input or output shaft jiggled while attempting to change gears with the engine off.
As mentioned, you may have it hung up between gears.
IF, you can move the wheel at all, slap it forward & backward while simultaneously holding pressure on the shift lever with your other hand.
Repeat.
 
It sat for 30 years must have been a reason even that long I be going through everything before riding it, the gearbox and primary be the first thing I be pulling apart, if its locked up changing a chain then I be going right through it before riding it, primary, clutch and gearbox isn't a hard job to pull down, inspect and replace anything with wear on it, the layshaft bearing is a well known failure and you don't want to be locking up at speed, a good workshop manual and WW tools are your best friend.
Don't risk it riding it if it frees up till you find the reason it locked up in the first place, your safety and life is more important than risking it.
 
"An OEM Reynold's chain is narrower width wise than a the standard 530 chain and they can rub the inner clutch cover. but it would still spin (usually)"

The correct chain is actually 10B not 530.
I just call them Reynold's chains when I get them at my supplier. The other brands they carry are 530 s to me and them.
 
I just call them Reynold's chains when I get them at my supplier. The other brands they carry are 530 s to me and them.
Who/where is your supplier? If in the US, do they know you are using them on a motorcycle?

I ask because I was buying 10B bulk chain from a place in FL. When I ordered another 100 feet I made the mistake of mentioning motorcycle - the 10B industrial chain is not legal for road use in the US and they would no longer sell to me.
 
Who/where is your supplier? If in the US, do they know you are using them on a motorcycle?

I ask because I was buying 10B bulk chain from a place in FL. When I ordered another 100 feet I made the mistake of mentioning motorcycle - the 10B industrial chain is not legal for road use in the US and they would no longer sell to me.
Isn't Reynolds the OEM maker of chains for Nortons? I get cut lengths to the proper link Number and even the odd # links like a Commando might use , 99 link and other lengths I've used Japanese brands like DID and EK and Tsubaki in the 530 on 3/8" sprockets and 520 on 1/4" Sprockets for racing. But the 530 is wider than most Commandos can use.
The EK Standard has a pin length of 20.5MM
I have no idea what 10B is or means , It is not in my vocabulary or a term racers use.
 
Isn't Reynolds the OEM maker of chains for Nortons? I get cut lengths to the proper link Number and even the odd # links like a Commando might use , 99 link and other lengths I've used Japanese brands like DID and EK and Tsubaki in the 530 on 3/8" sprockets and 520 on 1/4" Sprockets for racing. But the 530 is wider than most Commandos can use.
The EK Standard has a pin length of 20.5MM
I have no idea what 10B is or means , It is not in my vocabulary or a term racers use.
Renolds made/makes MANY types of chains. 10B-1 being the one that most British Motorcycles used in the 60s and 70s.

Again, where do you buy the chains you use. There are literally thousands of people in the US needing that info!
 
Renolds made/makes MANY types of chains. 10B-1 being the one that most British Motorcycles used in the 60s and 70s.

Again, where do you buy the chains you use. There are literally thousands of people in the US needing that info!
Hi, can you tell me if this renold chain is OK.
Locked Up
 
It sounds like you're going to have that gearbox completely apart before you're done. There is a lot of technical help available for these bikes which is great. The mechanical teardown and rebuild isn't too bad, but getting the gearbox indexed such that you can engage all gears... I found it challenging. Maybe 'fussy' is a better word but you'll get it sorted.
 
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