Locked Up

D

DaveinCanada

Joined
Oct 27, 2024
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Hi All,

I've installed a new chain on my '73 Norton Commando 850 (yes, I counted the right links). I tried rolling the bike but it locked up 3/4 wheel turn, almost as if the brakes kicked in. I'm assuming because a new chain is on, the gears are engaged because now my kickstart lever is stuck and my transmission arm won't change gears (stuck in 2nd). Any advice what this could be or what I can do to unlock it all?

Dave
 
Dave,
Yep sounds like it’s jumped into gear. basic suggestion till the brains of the group chime in:
Get the bike on the centre stand - on a plank of wood -so rear wheel clear of the ground.
Plugs out, hand rotate the rear wheel and try changing gear into neutral…
 
Gave it a try but not working. The back wheel is fully locked with no movement. No chance to hand rotate it. Tried shaking it and playing with the trans lever but no luck.
 
Should I take the change off to try an free up things? Should I open the gearbox to check the spring and gear? I'm stuck like my bike at this point. Nothing is moving.
 
Fast Eddie said:
What chain ?

Sounds like it’s too wide and the split link has jammed up … ie it’s wedged in between the gearbox shell and inner primary case somewhere.
Click to expand...
The drive chain. The new chain isn't riveted, it's a slip on master link. So you think it's getting stuck? Would that prevent the transmission from shifting?
 
DaveinCanada said:
The drive chain. The new chain isn't riveted, it's a slip on master link. So you think it's getting stuck? Would that prevent the transmission from shifting?
Click to expand...
I meant what kind of rear chain? Some are too wide, and the split link is obviously even wider.

If it was in gear when you wheeled it and then the whole gearbox could be jammed up.
 
Fast Eddie said:
I meant what kind of rear chain? Some are too wide, and the split link is obviously even wider.

If it was in gear when you wheeled it and then the whole gearbox could be jammed up.
Click to expand...
I was able to change the gears. Once I started rolling it, the gears stopped in 2nd.
 
If you were rolling the bike forwards when it locked up, then I'd try rolling it backwards to unlock it
 
Remove the chain and see if it frees up, how tight is the chain, has it got free play movement in the chain, how tight is the primary chain or has your rear brake locked on, I be looking at these things first up, but has only happened when you installed the new chain so that be the first thing to look at, the rear wheel has to turn freely to change the gears.
 
Dave,
Take the chain off first and see if you can get the gearbox into neutral. If it was ok before you replaced the chain then it's likely that there's something going on with the chain. Take your time and look for the problem. Tearing into the gearbox right off is going to make more work. Hell, maybe you had the chain too tight.
 

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