Hello all, this is my first post to the board, dont know if i should introduce myself so i will just introduce you to my problem.

I bought a '97 vtr with 77k on the clock. For peanuts. It has had some rough days and it came without a few parts, including the rear cylinder cct. I figured the timing was off (as it was) but bought it anyway. At this point i was able to change gears.
So i got it running and bought the other bits to make it roadworthy. The engine had been running only for very short periods, not even to warm it up. Last night i thought i would take it for a test drive around the block, warm it up and change the oil, but as i tried to put it in 1st gear the lever wouldnt move. Checked the clutch and adjusted it as far as it went. The clutch engaged/disengaged well.

The gear lever wouldnt switch down, only up and now i was stuck in gear with a foulty clutch switch.

Today got a new clutch switch, zip tied the lever to the handlebar and warmed it up. Drained the oil, and hit it with mobil delvac mx 15w40.

Shift lever wont switch down. Its stuck on high gear, i took it for a spin, it was interesting, must be on at least 5th gear.

Does anyone have any ideas or thoughts on the matter?

Any input greatly appreciated.

 

Oh **** the p.o. told me the bike had an akrapovic exhaust fitted before. Now it has stock exhaust and the shift lever was adjusted so low the rear part of the shift lever hit the exhaust bracket thus not being able to shift down 🙈

I had already downed a cold one (or two) on my grieves but when i noticed this i had to fix and test it 😄

Gears work well, 1& 2 are not annoyingly rough.

Pondering do i need to introduce myself to get replies im going straight to the next thing that came to mind:

Along with the akrapovic a jet kit was installed. Havent checked plugs, my nose might say its rich, the question is would a bafflectomy be of benefit? There are already 3 holes drilled on the left and 4 on the right.

Cruising on idle feels rough, its virtually like on or off.

 

How long did the bike set without running? Did the PO do the carb work and how experienced a mechanic? If it smells rich, if it walks like a duck.......
These bikes generally don't require a re-jet for an aftermarket exhaust.
Consider pulling the carbs and give them a thorough cleaning. While they are apart either return the jetting to stock or do this https://www.superhawkforum.com/forum...-set-up-24769/
The forum is not what it use to be. There is however volumes of information covering everything about this bike. You might have to spend some time searching.