Excerpt from
www.MikesXS.com
20 Question-- Why is it hard to get my bike in gear or to find neutral?
Answer --
1. Clutch Not adjusted properly at engine.
2. Worn Clutch push screw parts.
3. Needle bearing between clutch hubs is worn. (Very noticeable when engine is hot as neutral is difficult to find and clutch does not fully release).
4. Cable worn, improperly routed or not lubricated.
Thanks for looking this up. I don't usually end up in traffic, but being behind 15 vehicles or so, at a flashing red light made it a a definite problem. I did start looking up yesterday, but I didn't get anywhere. At one point, while the clutch was pulled, the bike was still pulling forward. Now off to look up "Needle bearing between clutch hubs" I am betting "Needle bearing is for the XS650"
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/1981/XS650SH/CLUTCH/parts.html
Part 3, is definitely for the XS650. All we got is a "washer Plate 90201-25291-00.
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Yamaha/Motorcycle/1981/XS400SH/CLUTCH/parts.html
Our bike (mine anyways) Shows a Washer Plate as part 3. Does the same job as the the above XS650.
So that kills Answer 3. so 1, 2, or 4. Let us know what you come up with. It might be in the manual. My weekend is Tuesdays and Wednesday, I have seen countless remarks on adj the clutch at the handlebars, and if you have too, behind the black rubber circle on the left side the case. I did just replace the Clutch Springs, and plates, (not the metal plates).
Now that you mention it, going from 5 to 6, occasionally it will slip into limbo, no gear, Then I repeat the action to shift to 6th, and it goes in. (do I have weak ankles?)
I am hoping there is nothing wrong with the gear selector. or the Forks. So I am going to worry about all that till Tuesday, or till someone comes up with a excellent fix! Thanks! Tobie