after storage over winter, first start, the forward 5 gears work great but it won,t go into reverse .just clunk clunk . anyone had this problem ?

 

Is the reverse lock-out cable adjusted properly? The cable moves a lever at the back of the engine. The lever also operates an electric switch inside the case, which should mean the shift motor won't try to work unless the lever has moved far enough. The most common problem is the wire detached from this switch, low down at the back of the engine. However you mention a clunk, so it seems like it is trying to change down into reverse.

 

i,ll check that cable ..but i can hear the shift motor running when i try reversing. just a big clack when i punch the button and it stays in neutral. took it out for a drive today to try to shake it loose .5 gears up, perfect, no reverse..i,ve ordered a angle sensor yesterday. its a possibility. could a bit of rust have formed in the gears or somewhere?

 

If worked great before storage than all adjustment should be the same and ok,I think maybe like said rusty or corroded electrical plz keep us updated after new angle sensor is installed

 

If shift motor activates, it is not the angle sensor.
The reverse cable that merryman talked about has a manual lock lever that will clunk and stop the shift if it is locked.
Try the manual shift tool, making sure you push the button and pull the brake. If it won't shift down to reverse, then it is the lock lever not disengaging.

 

took the lockout button and lever assembly apart was full of compacted dirt and a squashed shotgun pellet. upon cleaning, alls fine, go figure ..since 1999 how would u think to clean it 20 yrs ,right its the weird stuff that gets ya. thanks guys

 

Mine seems to do the same ..but it's a regular foot shift.. except I just rolled it off the back of a trailer in gear is the only thing and messing around with some wires at the lower back of the motor that came unconnected I try to put it in reverse and the shifter stops right before where the shift would engage
did I mess something up ? Need help

 

"did I mess something up"

Yes, the cable comes from the handlebars to a lever, low down at the back of the gearbox, either cable or lever has been damaged or jammed and the handlebar lever is not pulling the lever in the back of the gearbox far enough to disengage the mechanical lock-out and allow the foot change mechanism into reverse.