Haunted Gearbox

[DgM]

My 1983 R65 gearbox has something screwy going on.  In 2nd & 3rd gears, accelerating and/or constant running, gear lever moves down - in the direction of downshifting - by itself.  Spooky to feel pressure on top of foot increase.  Does not jump out of gear - in all other respects bike shifts fine - even when lever has moved down, shift up positive, quiet.  Fitting on splines tight, linkage without play.  Occasional clicking sound from gearbox.  Bike has about 50K.  What's going on?  Anyone else out there have a ghost in the gearbox?

[montmil]

The most commonly damaged or broken component in the gear box is the spring pawl.

The spirits of Transmission Hollow are talking to you.

[tvrla]

I don't know about that Monty. I rarely hear of that pawl spring problem - though I won't deny it doesn't surface now and then. I'd say the most common problem is the output shaft front bearing going out.

As for the ghosts - that's one I hadn't heard before and guess it must have something to do with the shift mechanism. My guess would be something to do with the roller or one of the other springs getting weak. But that's just a wild guess. And I sure can't say whether it's something to handle immediately or wait till it breaks.