I removed the shifter lever from my used 2000 (bought from friend) to find most all of the splines on the bit sticking out of the engine were pretty worn down (as well as the shifter inside its mounting hole). I put it back on and tightened it down as best as I could (bent the hex key but now theres no play on the lever.) I looked at the manual and saw that the bit is actually a longer shaft internal to the engine. I dont have that much engine experience, so how big of a job is it to replace that shaft? I already looked at faq.f650.

 

Been there way too many times.

Since you are in Sac., give me a call or something. I've got one off right now so, if you stopped by I could show you some things.

 

Bigjon

to get you buy if you take the shift lever and open up the gap with a file or saw or whatever means you have. then de grease the splines and fit it back with some loctite bearing fit or retainer fluid and tighten it up and leave it for a good few hours it might get so good a hold it will last for a long time.
just be sure you got it where you want it.
it might not work but if it does it will save going in to your transmission