[Mfreese]

I have a 2005 honda 500 es, it won't shift. I have changed the angle sensor and cleaned up the shift motor assembly, It helped for a short time. I put a new battery in and did the whole charge it up right procedure, then it only shifts a few time then back to not shifting with the light flashing. I check the battery with it running and it charges well. I was trying to find the issue one day while riding it around the yard for an hour or so and shut it off , when I tried to start it again it was like the battery was dead. so I pulled the battery out right away not doing anything to the battery but hook it up in a different machine, I tried it in the brute force 650 I have and it starts that like the battery is brand new. So I put a car battery on the rack and ran some winch cables I had lay in the shop and it shifts great all the time. anyone ever had any issues like this before.

 

[Goober]

My ES needed a battery and a clutch adjustment—I accidentally hit downshift when I meant to upshift and she wouldn’t shift after that. Try adjusting the clutch and see if it’s a mechanical issue

 

[retro]

I agree with Goober. Quick & easy fix (clutch adjustment should be performed during each routine periodic maintenance session) and its covered in the service manual.

 

[Jeepwm69]

I have a 2005 honda 500 es, it won't shift. I have changed the angle sensor and cleaned up the shift motor assembly, It helped for a short time. I put a new battery in and did the whole charge it up right procedure, then it only shifts a few time then back to not shifting with the light flashing. I check the battery with it running and it charges well. I was trying to find the issue one day while riding it around the yard for an hour or so and shut it off , when I tried to start it again it was like the battery was dead. so I pulled the battery out right away not doing anything to the battery but hook it up in a different machine, I tried it in the brute force 650 I have and it starts that like the battery is brand new. So I put a car battery on the rack and ran some winch cables I had lay in the shop and it shifts great all the time. anyone ever had any issues like this before.

Sounds like you had a weak/bad battery connection. Maybe a cable that has deteriorated. They can break up inside the insulation and look fine but work intermittently.

Clean your cable ends really well on both ends, and your battery terminals. Fully charge battery.
Adjust clutch.

Bet that fixes it.

 

[Mfreese]

I didn't know the clutch had an adjustment. ill give that a try and see if it fixes the issue.