[rajeff2]

Hello, I'm new here but have searched the threads for my specific problem and found nothing. My son rides this bike so I'm sharing his description. When he shifts (manual shift transmission only) to 4th or 5th gear, it goes into gear and after continuing to accelerate, it may slip between gears like neutral. Then he will shift up again and it will go into the gear again and stay. This happens intermittently and not often.

Could he just not be moving the shift lever far enough or maybe it need a clutch adjustment?

No grinding or any other noise is noticed when this occurs.

 

[retro]

Adjust the clutch first... and make sure that the shifting lever is tight on the shift shaft splines... but it sounds like a mechanical issue. Either the star-wheel ratchet on the end of the shift drum, shift fork bent, drum groove heavily worn, or a bad 4th gear set.

https://www.hondaatvforums.net/foru...nual-help/50817-service-manual-downloads.html

Welcome to the forums!

 

[rajeff2]

Thanks retro. If the worst case scenario applies, would it be worth the investment to repair it? I do not think I could do it myself so I'd have to let a dealer do it. Is it possible to buy a whole engine new? This engine has been run far and long.

 

[retro]

Many (most) stealerships will charge more than the bike might be worth to split cases and replace transmission parts. If you cannot do the work yourself its gonna be very costly, no matter who you hire... You can buy rebuilt motors from several companies if you'd rather do that.

Do your research though... and ask a lot of questions... get satisfying answers... before buying. Many, (or most) of the engine rebuilders put china & taiwan made motor parts in ALL of their rebuilds... which results in you paying top-dollar for chintzy, useless garbage that might not survive very long. Always insist on 100% genuine Honda OEM parts, from an outfit that you trust, or turn your back and walk away.

Good luck with it.

 

[Jeepwm69]

Yep, if you don't want to try the work yourself it will cost more to fix it than the bike is worth.

You could always buy a rebuilt motor to put in. At least then you know what you have (as opposed to buying another used bike and wondering if the motor will last).

Nflow is a site vendor here, and they sell rebuilt engines. Powersportsnation.com has started selling rebuilt engines as well.

http://store.powersportsnation.com/honda-rancher-420-fm-fpm-09-11-engine-motor-rebuilt/

 

[retro]

nFlow puts Tiawan & China parts in their rebuilds tho. PSN might be a much better option, cause at least we have a lot of experience with them and we know that they are honest. PSN has proven to us that they actually do stand behind everything they sell. Its not an empty marketing claim. Give 'em a call and ask questions if it comes to that... but adjust the clutch on that bike first... rule everything else out.

 

[rajeff2]

Alright folks. I sure appreciate your advice. I'll sure call PSN. The bike itself is in really good shape as I have maintained it well. I've already completely rebuilt the rear end, replaced upper/lower ball joints, tie rod ends, rear shock, swing arm bearings, new ITP Mudlite tires, rear brake cable and a new seat. I've owned it for 2 years so I know what I have right now. A rebuilt engine with OEM parts and a reasonable warranty sounds much better than taking a chance on another used bike. We will continue riding it until I this shift issue gets worse though. It has occurred just a few times over the past few months. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks again

 

[rajeff2]

Well, after months of riding and talking with my son about how he has been shifting the transmission, it seems he was not raising the shift lever far enough. He said after paying more attention to it and raising it higher, it has shifted fine. I will keep you all posted on any future issues or inconsistencies if we have any. Thanks