Topic: cb750 K4 1st gear

[cvanscott]

Hey, folks.  I have the aforementioned bike, a 1974 cb750 K4 and I just got her running this year after a 4 year build and an engine swap (long story there) and she seems to run alright and shifts through the gears, with the exception of wanting to go into 1st gear.  From neutral, she does not like to go down into first.  From 2nd, she'll more often go into first, but the best way I've figured out that she'll shift into first is by downshifting as far as she'll go, usually to 2nd or neutral, holding my foot on the shifter and rolling the bike forward a hair.  At this point, she'll drop right in.  Like I said, I've just got her running so I really haven't had time to play with her on the road much, this is mostly messing around in the garage and tooling around my street a little.  Just thought I'd see if this sounds familiar to anyone.  Could it be because the engine's been sitting for who know's how long, or clutch adjustment?  I have messed with the clutch a little, but I'm not even sure which way I should go with it.  Like I said, just looking for some thoughts.  Thanks.

[robvangulik]

Is this with the engine running?
If not, it's quite normal. With the engine running it should shift to first without moving the bike, with possibly an audible clunking sound.

[cvanscott]

Is this with the engine running?
If not, it's quite normal. With the engine running it should shift to first without moving the bike, with possibly an audible clunking sound.

It is with both engine off and running

[01Thomas]

As a first step, do the clutch adjustment. Only when you have that perfect and first is still difficult to engage should you bother with looking elsewhere.
If the other gear engare easily I don't think it's got anything to do with sitting unused for a long time.