Slipping into first gear

[Chopper75]

I can't seem to figure this one out. 1980 Shovel Fat Bob, Foot Clutch, Scorpion Clutch, 5-in-4 RevTech Tranny. When I drop into neutral and coast to a light, right before I come to a stop, the bike will slip into first. With the foot clutch, this is getting very annoying. I adjusted the clutch and rod and I don't want to start tearing into the transmission just yet. Any thoughts?

[Chopper75]

Also, I get stuck between gears (false neutral?) when  down shifting from 5th to 4th sometimes. Don't know why the PO liked RevTech stuff so much...Im not a fan.

[Mule]

Probably should check your shift fork alignment...

[Chopper75]

Probably should check your shift fork alignment...

Is this able to be done without removing the primary/trans?

[Mule]

YES , you have to take the TOP of the transmission off and use a shift fork alignment tool, although many including myself have done it without the tool...

[guppymech]

The fly in the ointment of checking the shift forks is the 5 in a 4, does it have 3 shift forks?  As we know the stock 4 speed has 2 forks.

[Chopper75]

I'll take the top off when I get home from work and take a look.

[Chopper75]

What's the procedure to adjust them?

[dusty1]

Been forever since i looked into a 5 speed. Definitely seems like a shift fork/shift clutch issue. I dont think there is a special alignment tool, just equal spacing on each side of fork? Also.. what about the adjuster on left side of case? 

[96flhpi]

What's the procedure to adjust them?

Know nothing about 4 in a 5 but if it's like the regular 4sp you add/remove spacers between the forks and their mounts until the dogs are spaced evenly between the gears they affect.  Difficult to do with trans in bike, not impossible.

Also, whatever it uses to shift the forks, see if there is wear in whatever locks it in position (a plunger and corresponding indents on my rotary top) allowing it to slide out of the right position.  On the four sp the shift mechanism is attached to the cover so easy to check if you can the cover off while still in the bike.  Again can't speak for yours but I replaced a 5sp Evo shift drum with trans in bike once.  I'd assume your's is at least similar to an Evo drum but take that for what its worth.

[96flhpi]

Also IIRC, Dusty's right there was some way to adjust the drum on the left side of the case on the Evo 5sp

[Hossamania]

Do you have a heavy ball or similar on the end of your hand shifter? Is your shifter straight up, or does it tilt one or the other, causing me to to pull itself into gear, either from vibration, or just plain wear on the whole system?

[Chopper75]

 Nah, the shifter is balanced nicely and doesn't move when riding.  Pretty good setup other than the 5into4.

[Hossamania]

Nah, the shifter is balanced nicely and doesn't move when riding.  Pretty good setup other than the 5into4.

Got ya.

[Burnout]

Shift pawl centering spring seems the likely candidate.
On a 5 speed or a ratchet.
Not sure how the 5ina4 gets shifted, Cow-pie or Ratchet top?

[76shuvlinoff]

Shift pawl centering spring seems the likely candidate.
On a 5 speed or a ratchet.
Not sure how the 5ina4 gets shifted, Cow-pie or Ratchet top?

ratchet

[carioux2008]

Chopper 75,
I have a Sputhe 5 into 4 in my 84. I've had similar issues with it popping into first from a roll in neutral. I think the biggest culprit was the shift arm adjustment. Should be centered. Also, if there is buildup in the detent hole/shaft on your drum (should be an fxr style or evo style) that could cause it to not have adequate pressure keeping the drum in place.
I still get a false neutral between gears, haven't figured that out. All Andrews gears in mine, and they look fine. There must be some sort of adjustment that can be made to allow the shift forks to move freely and stay in place when desired. I am curious to know how you resolve your problems, I'll have to try the same thing.
Corey

[carioux2008]

I forgot to add; there is an easy external adjustment that can be made with the shift arm on the bike. It involves a few wrenches and/or a hex key.