2001 transmission craped out ?

[gargoyle158]

I am not sure on this one so see what this gets me. Got a 2001 Nomad FL
It has been stored for about 2 years and has 39000. Pretty gently used. However the other weekend my son showed up with his new bike and wanted to ride. I got my bike started, new battery, fresh gas ( same oil) and filled the rear tire. Started right up and sounded good. We took off, it was HOT 92 degrees outside. The engine felt hotter than normal while riding. Heading into town after about 15 miles I noticed the trans not working well. Gave it gas and bike wouldn't accelerate. Shifts were missing. Finally got to the restaurant and no shifting at all with the engine running. Also, clutch out bike wouldn't move. Couldn't get the neutral indicator to light. Had a burger and a beer and tried again. It worked ?? Rode back, about 15 miles. Stopped at a light, the same problem. Waited about a half-hour, again it worked. Got it home. It appears it is heat-induced. Is this the dreaded shift fork problem or something else.

[DragonLady58]

Probably 90 % likely its either your clutch is dragging or isn't engaging fully, or your clutch disc's need replacing....
If it were running fine and there was no stomping or heavy foot action trying to get the bike to shift, forks are fine. They don't break or bend for no reason, they gotta have some punishment inflicted upon them for that.
Clutch replacement, about $50 for plates, while your at it, get a new spring and install it. I can do one in about 30 minutes, but I'm a mechanic....and have all the tools. 1 hour if I drag ass and take my time, taking a couple of coffee breaks.

It'd be the perfect time to change out the clutch fluid while the wrenches are out....bikes getting close to 20 years old....

Be like that one guy I saw going to Sturgis one year....I pulled into a restraunt, he commented on my bike, asked me how long I'd been riding....I said Please!
Anyway, after I ate, came out side fired bike up, getting on the road, he's on it, bikes running, he's trying to shift while its sitting still. I told him to slip the clutch some as he shift....he started cussing, then he started stomping....
I told him that wasn't a good idea, he kept on, saying what did I know....I said, 'Oh Well'....
Well, he got the shafts to spin, it was going into gear but not fast enough....evidently he stopped leaving it in 3rd or 4th....he was in second was getting to 1st....
I heard that dreaded 'pop'....
I told him he just broke the shifting fork....there wasn't anything there anymore. He really got pissed.
My cohort told him he should've listened to me, that I was a bike mechanic, his tune had changed....I figured it'd be best if a repair shop helped him and his wounded Nomad.
I'm not heavily into self abuse....

[MAS Tequila]

Check your clutch fluid.

I’ve seen this before, and had it be the fluid is either so full of water it stops functioning when hot, or it just boils and stops working.

[MAS Tequila]

And the really funny thing about DL’s story is that a Nomad will take off in 3rdgear.

I was 200 miles from home and had the shifter pawl break.

I was in 3rd gear.

I went back and picked up the shift lever and rode home in 3rd.

[DragonLady58]

Yea MAS, he was one of those weekend warrior types....the 1500s got enough torque to do it, but he didn't know his bike well enough to do it....

[vulcanscott]

flush the fluid and clean out the return hole in the master cylinder . sounds like it is building up pressure and not returning until it sits for a few

[DragonLady58]

Yea, not riding a bike for 2 years will do that to the clutch fluid, especially if theres a little water contamination in it.....
Not to mention gummimg up your clutch disc's.....
Need to ride her more....

[gargoyle158]

To all responders, THANKS seriously. I thought it was the death of the bike. Now that i have relocated I want to get back on the road. I will let you know how things turn out.

[gargoyle158]

thanks. appreciate the advice

[gargoyle158]

Appreciate the advise

[gargoyle158]

Thanks !!!

[ppgflyer]

I suggest a new braided clutch line while you're at it, the original is probably getting a bit squishy by now.

[andyvh1959]

My 1600 is at 32,000 miles and I am at least the 2nd owner. Everything on the bike indicates it was well serviced and maintained, but I have no idea how old the clutch and brake fluid is. But both are still just barely an amber color. So I plan to flush the clutch and brake circuits, but before doing that I'll add Speedbleeders in place of the stock bleed nipples. Anyone else use Speedbleeders with any issues or concerns?

[VulcanJeff]

Speedbleeders rule. No issues. Go for it!