I am having a problem with my transmission. I had trouble with the push button elec. shift yesterday not wanting to go into gear, difficulty shifting, then not downshifting. I had a family member turn the ignition off while in fifth gear. I know its designed not to restart while in gear, no big deal, just use the emergency shifter to put back into neutral. I have tried and tried and tried, but cannot get it out of fifth gear. I don’t think it could be anything too serious, the rig only has 130 hours and less than 1000 miles on it, all of the fluids are fresh and correct levels. I have followed all instructions in the owner’s manual (except the last one "take to dealer"). Any one got any thoughts on what’s going on here?

 

does it shift normally with the emergency shifter? If not, you have an internal mechanical transmission problem and needs to be torn apart to repair.

if it shifts fine that way, then you probably have an issue with the ES system.

Have you tried adjusting the clutch? It's a simple maintenance issue that many people overlook.
Is there any flashing goint on at the gear indicator on the dash? The number of flashes, if any, indicate a trouble code, and would be helpful in diagnosis.
A common part on these older ES systems was the angle sensor, it's a little black sensor, 3 wires, under a little tin shield down on the front of the engine. The part is around 50$ if you want to try that first.

 

Thanks Quicksilver for your reply. No it will not shift with the auxiliary emergency shifter, and no flash on gear indicator. I am surprised because it has low hours/miles, no unusual sounds, full of oil, and was actually shifting with the electric shift, (just not quite right) before it was shut down (by the kill switch) in gear. You can still roll the rig because it is in fifth gear and somewhat easy to push. Would this indicate a non-severe gear problem? I will look into possible clutch adjustment, and maybe replacing the angle sensor. Would a bad angle sensor cause this to happen?

 

If it won't shift with the backup shifter, then you have an internal transmission problem that has nothing to do with the ES system.

The problem with your bike is that the gear shifter plate has broken. Honda had a recall on early Ranchers to replace this part, but for some reason, some of them were not done. The symptoms are exactly what you are experiencing.

 

Is that an expensive repair? Something I can do myself?