Yz450f shifting problems.

[lferrell22]

I have a 2009 yz450f and I was riding it home very gently when the chain broke and it flipped over and hit my foot and my shifter. Now my bike will only go in first and second gear but if you fiddle with the shifter you can get the rest of the gears. I don't know much but I would assume it's a bent shift shaft. What could it be and how do I fix it?

[grayracer513]

Sounds like a bent shaft, alright.  Remove the right side crankcase cover and the clutch and it pulls out from that side.  Clean around the seal first.  If it's bent badly, it may give you a problem extracting it as it binds in the cases, and in the case where the binding is excessive, you can cut off either the left end or cut the operating arm off of the shaft on the right side and push it out that way. 

[lferrell22]

Sounds like a bent shaft, alright. Remove the right side crankcase cover and the clutch and it pulls out from that side. Clean around the seal first. If it's bent badly, it may give you a problem extracting it as it binds in the cases, and in the case where the binding is excessive, you can cut off either the left end or cut the operating arm off of the shaft on the right side and push it out that way.

do you think the shaft will be the only thing that needs replaced?

[grayracer513]

That, and the seal, most likely.

[lferrell22]

That, and the seal, most likely.

when we pulled the shifter shaft it fought back but it came out and it was badly bent

[yzdaddy]

when we pulled the shifter shaft it fought back but it came out and it was badly bent

but did you invest in a new chain?

[lferrell22]

but did you invest in a new chain?

yeah I got a brand new one

[grayracer513]

Be sure you don't adjust it too tight.  Over tightening the chain is one of the two most common reasons for chain failure, right along with improperly installed master links.  There is also a significant risk of breaking the rear hub with too much tension.

[x_JT_x]

I had a friend put a new chain on his bike, and then trade it for something. Guy calls him up couple days later and the chain had come off. He didn't know about master link directions. It's a common mistake. The sad part is that easy mistake can ruin your engine.

[yzdaddy]

yeah I got a brand new one

dont hold back on the money when it comes to chains on a 450