What would cause a motorcycle will to go into second gear?

[miarmyguy]

I have been working on a 2001 Suzuki SV650 for some time now. I just replaced the engine on this bike and when everything was back together it started just fine but it won't shift. It will go into 1st and neutral but nothing than those two. I have another good SV than I have been comparing it too. Everything outside the engine seems to be in place. I do notice that when shifting down into 1st the gear shift doesn't seem to spring back into place like the good bike. Is this something major? Is it going to cost an arm and a leg to fix? Please give me some good news.

[patrickh]

sounds like the shifting star/detent plate that selects the transmission gear. not too bad of a fix but I think the clutch has to come off.

[levi]

The problem is probably in the motor. if the gears in the motor are not spaced exactly precise it will not shift gears. thats pretty bad. but that may not be the problem. if it is you will have to space the gears with a special tool. or just take it to a shop and let them look at it