Well, I've been riding the VN750 quite a bit lately, I ride it more than my new V-Strom in fact. So here it is on a very nice sunny hot Florida Monday morning that I decided to tackle the to do list on the bike. I have been whittling away on this list now for about a month and each week the bike gets better. So I decided to pull off my shift lever, It's slightly bent from an altercation with the floor from the PO. I'm going to straighten it so that it is more closely aligned to the foot rest. I unscrew the 10mm bolt and tap a flathead screwdriver into the slot to loosen it up, and it does. I then, USING MY HANDS ONLY, try to remove the shift lever and the shifter shaft moves 3/4 of an inch out before the shift lever even starts to slide off. Is this normal? I looked at the assembly in the manual and it looks like it is being routed to the other side of the engine and then through a set of heim joints goes into the cases on the right side of the engine. Except that this is not visible. Is this stuff all inside the cases. Is the shift shaft suppost to move like that?
BTW, If I can keep a close reign on my throttle hand, I am getting 55mpg. and this does not include any highway. I think thats preaty good don't you?
Al

There is a circlip on the inside of the case that keeps the shaft from moving in and out. if subjected to enough force, that can come off. The only way to really fix it is pull that case off, put on a NEW clip and re assemble. If you need any pictures showing what I am talking about just ask... my motor is in the process of being rebuilt in my basement and that area is still exposed

Hope that helped

The shift shaft moving that much is normal..... if..... the clip inside has been knocked off, usually from a fall (or altercation, as you called it) on the left side.

To repair or replace the clip, I believe you need to pull the engine. Many here have just made a spacer that takes up the in and out free play and have been good to go.

I would assume that a spacer like that would work great

A spacer, hmmmmm. My bike only has 5700 miles on it. so I might fix it but if involves splitting the cases, no way. A spacer is the way to go.
Al

Either way you go you don't have to split the case. That clip is under the right side engine cover. When I get home from work I will take some pictures of my engine that is apart and post them in here

excellent, thankyou.
Al

No case split needed. However, since it is on the left side, an engine pull or tilt is necessary. I lived with mine doing this for 2 years until I had to get into the engine again for the dreaded stator replacement. The spacer idea works well until you need to get in there for other things.
The circlip rides in a groove on the shaft which sits just before the shaft goes into the internal part of the crankcase. It's amazing how a .25 part can cause so much headache to fix.

Don't forget the thrust washer between the circlip and the side cover. It will keep the clip from weairing into the side cover, and causing excessive wear.

If you got any questions I have an engine spread out all over my garage.

Either way you go you don't have to split the case.

since it is on the left side, an engine pull or tilt is necessary.

Ah, that's right. Tilt, no split. :smiley_th

I took the pictures, but apparently I cant figure out how to post it in this response. If you still need it to see what you are dealing with just message me with your email and I will send it to you.

I have this same issue. I suppose I could put a rubber gromit on the lever shaft as a spacer in the meantime, but should I have the lever out fully(away from the motor) or in fully? Or in other words when the clip is in place(like it should be) where is the shift lever supposed to be. closer to the engine side wall or away from it?

It should be out or away from the engine. If it is in toward the engine, it will wear on your frames downtube. I learned that the hard way.

Thanks for the response. Good to know.