Topic: 400F Difficult 1st gear engagement

[TRPLE]

All -

I've got a 400F with ~24k miles, probably original.  I've owned it for the last 2-3k miles, and its always run and shifted great.  In fact, this bike definitely had better shifting than my previous SOHCs, a 500K and a 350F.  A couple of weeks ago I went on a ride with some friends, and I loaned this bike to a friend (who rides) so I could ride my GT550.  Just before the ride, I adjusted the level of the shifter, it had been too high and I didn't want my friend getting false neutrals (as I had been getting) because your toe had to go over horizontal to shigt up. 

Anyway, I rode the bike yesterday and its not engaging first gear very well.  Basically to get first I have to be moving.  Either downshift while decelerating (my usual) or if from park, I have to engage first while walking out of a parking spot.  FYI I always shift this bike with the clutch (up and down), but I can't comment on previous owners or on my friend.

What could be causing this problem?  I believe that the clutch is properly adjusted.  I'm worried that he could have somehow bent a shift fork or some other expensive and time consuming part to replace.  Anyone have any thoughts?  I just restored every other aspect of this bike, but the engine ran so well I left it alone.

Thanks - Matt

[supersport_CB400F]

I would adjust the cluch and change the oil if it's old stuff.

[cmorgan47]

maybe try adjusting the shifter linkage back a little bit.  i had a similar problem recently--due to a ridiculous story involving a friends shifter flying at me after comming off his bike on the highway.  basically, the shifter linkage was set too long for how high the lever was.  shortened it up a thread or two and it's greatly improved.