1983 VR shift linkage alignment

[Jim Horton]

Hello, All!

I'm new here, but not new to riding or turning wrenches on bikes. For years, I owned and operated Jackhammer Cycles, LLC in Myrtle Beach SC. I know my way around motorcycles pretty good, so for me to ask a question like the one I'm about to ask is fairly unusual for me. But here goes:

I have just finished reinstalling the shifter and foot rest on my 83. But I can't get the alignment correct, as there are NO marks on the shafts. Does anyone have an idea of how to set an initial alignment of these? I have been through the manuals and they are not any help at all.

I bought my 83 2 years ago, and it came with a story, as it was a basket case. (Engine was removed to replace the stator, never replaced but a new stator was included.) But for $200, I was hard pressed to not buy it.

 

 

 

[Vickersguy]

I'm suprised no one has responded to you.  As for the alignment, most folks install these parts about last on the list.  As per the illustrations in the manuals, this would be a good place to start.  Remember to keep the arms 90 degrees from the direction of thrust.  Well, as best you can.  The final adjustment will have to do with how your foot engages the shift lever, where your foot is on the foot peg and so forth.  I have an "83 myself.  Welcome to the fold here.

[Marcarl]

The shift shaft has a knuckle that leads to the straight shaft going back to the cross over shaft at the back of the setup. That knuckle will want to find it's home in the downward position,,, don't let it, it goes in the up position. Things won't line up or work properly unless you do, and you might even discover some markings there as well.

Hope that all makes sense.