Author Topic: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear  (Read 3954 times)

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Offline BudSelect

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Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« on: August 04, 2009, 01:05:15 AM »
Anybody have any idea what this means?  There isn't much information about Hondamatics that I can find, and I've never heard of anything seriously wrong with these transmissions...

But I have a cb750a that won't shift into second gear.  A friend of mine says that flushing the transmission may do it, could it be more serious? Any ideas? 

Offline mcpuffett

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #1 on: August 04, 2009, 07:14:40 AM »
Can't help you why it won't change in to 2nd? just thought i'd bump your question back to the top someone might see it and be able to help  ;), cheers Mick.
Honda CB750 KO 1970,   Honda VTX 1300 2006, Lancaster England.

Offline bryanj

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #2 on: August 04, 2009, 11:56:48 AM »
Flushing in a car might work but the Honda uses the same oil for engine,converter and box so i would suggest a couple of short order oil/filter changes to see what happens.

There is a selector, like a gearchange i think, that allows to box to run the gears or lock in low, could it be an adjustment there?

Sorry cant be more specific as i have never seen a 750A and only one 400A
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Spanner 1

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #3 on: August 04, 2009, 04:11:32 PM »
Transmission fluid is the engine oil ( wet sump )....The L and D shifter just opens  different
oil passages to engage the low or high clutch......this is the very first post I have seen with an A trans. problem ! Does the D light come on when you shift up ? Are you sure the motor has 10/30 motor oil in there and not ( never ) transmission fluid ?
If your sure it's a carb problem; it's ignition,
If your sure it's an ignition problem; it's carbs....

Offline tomsweb1

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #4 on: August 04, 2009, 04:25:05 PM »
make sure the kickstand is going all the way up. Some aftermarket exhaust will push it out just a touch, but this is enough for it to not engage into second. I had this problem. You can test this by removing the nut, washers and spring from the shaft connected to the kick stand, temporarily deactivating the device that prevents it from going into gear when the stand is down. If it drives around fine like that, you know it's the kickstand.
Present: 1978 CB750A, 1978 CB400A, 1983 Nighthawk 550, 1984 CM250C

Past: 1977 XL100, 1982 KZ1300

Offline BudSelect

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2009, 05:36:21 AM »
The bike doesn't currently have a kickstand.  It needs some work, but it runs relatively smooth besides not going into second. 

Spanner/Bryan - I will check the oil and change it


Offline Spanner 1

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2009, 07:59:07 AM »
+1 with Tom on the shift lock-out......it's the second shaft beside the shifter, may just need a slight turn to right or left....and with no kickstand connected it's free to turn by its self.......yaseewhatimean.
If your sure it's a carb problem; it's ignition,
If your sure it's an ignition problem; it's carbs....

Offline BudSelect

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #7 on: August 11, 2009, 02:23:11 AM »
So the transmission isn't the problem?  Ive been trying to decide whether the bike was worth restoring and this has been my biggest concern.. If it isn't the tranny than it is...

Offline tomsweb1

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Re: Hondamatic won't shift into 2nd gear
« Reply #8 on: August 11, 2009, 05:47:27 AM »
Another issue could be that your shifter may be hitting the side case during shifting, stoping the lever from fully engaging into second gear. check both of the levers mentioned here ands above... they are right next to each other. 
Present: 1978 CB750A, 1978 CB400A, 1983 Nighthawk 550, 1984 CM250C

Past: 1977 XL100, 1982 KZ1300