There is a small spring that returns the shift mechanism to a neutral position that has probably broken or become unhooked. The same problem can happen if upon reassembly the shift activator gears slide past each other and no longer twist the mechanism. Either way you should be able to look at the mechanism and spring by taking off the shift lever and removing the engine cover behind the lever. The cover. http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1982-yamaha-xj650j/o/m8214#sch227044 The mechanism and small spring (part#2) http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1982-yamaha-xj650j/o/m8214#sch227724
When you twist the mechanism/shift shaft the shift drum is rotated. This moves the shift forks from side to side moving the gears into the positions necessary to achieve the gear you are shifting to. If the shift forks are bent , damaged ,or stuck perhaps now that the cover is off you can push the jammed gear or shift fork over enough to loosen the mechanism. Place the bike on the center stand with the cover off, put the shift lever back on, and gently rock the tire back and forth while applying pressure to the shift lever up then down. With any luck you can free the mechanism or at least get a visual on where the issue is looking into the tranny.
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Thanks for your help, ay least it gave me a place to start. However the spring is intact and the tranny will still no shift out of second. Anybody else have a suggestion?
I have seen the shift rod shaft put back in wrong and after a while it wears at the arms and then it wont engage the shift drum anymore
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