84 Honda ATC 125M pops out of gear

[Ryan01228]

Hey folks..New to the Forum and fairly new to non-automobiles! I have had a couple motorcycles and this is my second ATC.

Anyway, just bought a 1984 125M and I really like it...The ONLY issue I have is that it will "pop" out of gear pretty regularily especially when its cold.. It feels like the bike has gone back to neutral but the nuetral light does not come on. Also often I can get it to "lock" back into a gear by going up or down with the shifter.....

So my questions are...
Is this common?

Could this be due to a clutch adjustment?

Where should I begin to check it out?

[fabiodriven]

The problem more than likely isn't going to be with the clutch, it's probably in the transmission. More than likely you're going to have to tear into it and find out what's wrong, but there is something you can try before you go that far.

When was the last time the oil was changed? If it's been a while you may just need to change the oil. Make sure you use the proper oil that is compatible with a wet clutch setup. I would recommend either a synthetic or a synthetic blend. I have had tranny issues with 110's (almost the same motor) in the past with them sticking in gear. All it took was a simple oil change to cure it. I can't promise this will fox your problem, but it's a good place to start. Good luck and

[mrcribbs]

Take your clutch cover off and inspect. Usually it's this part that breaks...

http://www.dratv.com/268n.html

[Ryan01228]

Thinking I will do both....

I am guessing I have to remove the oil before removing the clutch cover anyway?

Ok...So the clutch cover is the inspection panel on the right side? or Left?

[rdlsz24]

Yeah drain the oil first. The clutch cover is the whole cover on the right side. Held on by 10 little bolts or so.

I had a 125m that had tranny problems as well. It was stuck between gears and I found eventually that 3rd gear was shot. http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...ide&highlight=

Rob

[Ryan01228]

ok..well looks like I have my weekend project...Thanks for the quick responses folks..I will let you know what I discover..

[hang&rattle]

Please post what you find, my daughters 85' does the same thing. I changed the oil (use honda oil) a couple of days ago, haven't had it rode yet, but feel the problem is possible deeper than that.

[shortline10]

Yep did one of those yesterday . Could also be a bent shifter fork but lets hope not .

Take your clutch cover off and inspect. Usually it's this part that breaks...

http://www.dratv.com/268n.html

[Dirtcrasher]

9 out of 10 times it's something to do with what locks the shift drum in any particular gear. If it's any gear at any given time, it isn't usually a bent shift fork, rather an external issue (meaning the linkages, posts, springs, pawls etc etc) found beyond the center case. Not everyone enjoys splitting cases.

Most split cases end up in a 5 gallon bucket or a box, only to be wasted away..............

[shortline10]

Quote : by dirtcrasher Most split cases end up in a 5 gallon bucket or a box, only to be wasted away.............. Quote
So true and sad

[Xpress]

I think you should change the oil before you do anything. I like to use 10W-30 in all of my machines, but mainly because I'm in California, and it doesn't get too cold here (comparing to other parts of the country).

With my 110, it just refused to shift into 4th all together, and when i split the engine apart, I found out my 4th gear had a pin broken off of it, which looks like is what engages the gear.

Most split cases end up in a 5 gallon bucket or a box, only to be wasted away..............

So true. My 110 engine is in a thousand pieces in my basement, and I'm fighting to keep it from going into the 5 gallon bucket of no return

[tri again]

so is it ONE gear in particular?

or does it want to slip into neutral in any gear and then grab and lock in if you up or downshift?

A sloppy external shifter MAY not be giving you full throw until you get aggravated and actually sorta stomp on it but since you have another trike, you're prob used to how they should feel.

I'd drain the oil onto a screen and change it anyway, but keep us posted.

[factoryX]

Most split cases end up in a 5 gallon bucket or a box, only to be wasted away..............

LOL, my 110 motor is apart in a box in the corner of the garage.

[hdeuce]

weekend project pshhh.... tip the bike on its left side, remove the clutch cover. You can remove the stopper pawl without removing any other part. No need to drain the oil either. I have done 3 this way.

[zppeacock]

I had one that popped out of gear randomly mostly under heavy acceleration. I ended up selling before I fixed it.