Topic: Transmission on a CB550

[Sporkfly]

So, my transmission is shot. That's my thought anyhow. Not completely, but here and there I was having gears hit a false neutral. It's happened in most of the gears, but after the oil change (I rode 100 miles on the first batch of oil and changed it) and better shift technique it stopped except for 4th gear. No matter how I shift, it pops into that false neutral as soon as I hit my power band. I had an oil leak so I pulled the pan and oil pump (the culprits in this) which revealed a few things...

Some sand/small gravel (I have no freaking clue, to be honest)
Some small pieces of steel.
And of course confirmed my suspicions of bad dogs/cogs/etc.

Anyway, I'm looking at a few transmissions on eBay, I'll probably buy more than one. The sad thing is the engine has 30k on it so the PO just screwed this bike up something awful. This is going to be a really stupid question and I know it, and I searched around a bit and couldn't find anything. I think I already know the answer... Will I be tearing my top end apart again to split the case?

Also, any suggestions on what else I might as well replace and/or upgrade while I'm in there?

[bwaller]

No you can split the cases and not touch the top-end.

You should check closely the shifter forks and drum for wear. Replace the seals while it's apart.

[bistromath]

Sand and gravel? Really? Clean up the gravel and make sure it really is what you think it is. If so, suspect sabotage, because there ain't no way sand can get in your crankcase unless it's put there on purpose.

[Sporkfly]

Sand and gravel? Really? Clean up the gravel and make sure it really is what you think it is. If so, suspect sabotage, because there ain't no way sand can get in your crankcase unless it's put there on purpose.

I know, right? I had the biggest "what the hell?" look on my face. It wasn't a huge amount, I'd say a pinch at best. It seemed like it could've worked its way in during the hiatus I had when working on the engine after our garage burnt up and the engine was sitting sans cylinders. There was only one small bit of gravel (no larger than the tip of a slightly dull pencil).

Anyway, thanks for the info bwaller. Now I'm wondering how successful I'll be at splitting the case. I was going to make it a winter project, but why not just do it I guess. I've got another month or two of riding.