Breva Shift Return Spring

[Skarsaune]

So I've been asked to possibly repair/replace a shift return spring on an '04 750 Breva.

Supposedly shifts fine up and down, but lever doesn't return to center.

The 750 gearbox threads on here have been very educational.

I haven't seen the shift return spring referred to specifically, but isn't it the spring BEHIND the pre-selector, requiring all of the pain and suffering and special tools to extract/R&R?

Should have a manual to pore over tomorrow. Still evaluating the job, don't think it's going to be worth fooling with on somebody else's bike.

Dangly bits of spring bouncing around in a gearbox don't sound appetizing either.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Haven't heard of that one. The small block 5 speed is pretty reliable. Maybe a linkage problem?

[pehayes]

The shift linkage system passes through supports in the frame.  They get dirty and bind up the shifter.  I'd start there with hopes of cleaning and lubrication.

If the system moves up and down freely and feels nice and loose, then it is probably the pre-selector spring.  You pretty much have to disassemble the entire bike to get at it.  Entire main frame lifts up and rolls forward.  Swingarm comes off the back.  Engine pulls off the front.  The only thing remaining on your supports is the transmission.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Skarsaune]

If the system moves up and down freely and feels nice and loose, then it is probably the pre-selector spring.  You pretty much have to disassemble the entire bike to get at it.  Entire main frame lifts up and rolls forward.  Swingarm comes off the back.  Engine pulls off the front.  The only thing remaining on your supports is the transmission.

Yup, I read the great write up on that process generated here - I'd give credit but don't remember the names.

Shifter was loose for the two seconds I looked at it - I was there to buy the other bike.

Will look at it more thoroughly before biting on this. Thanks.

[malik]

Yes, it happens occasionally, at least to Brevas & the V7 Classic (ask me how I know).

If the gears change OK, but each shift requires priming first, then it's likely the return spring.

The issue has been treated before on the interweb - probably here, definitely on the MG_750 yahoo site, as well as a couple of other places. Can't put my finger on the links at present, but I did find a video on correctly installing the spring. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT6VAm0jJiY

The spring itself is cheap, the special tool not so much, so best try to borrow one.

The bike is probably best separated from the engine - easier than dropping one on the frame rails - and the "screw of doom" - the top bolt of the gearbox is located behind the bracket that holds the two throttle bodies. I was quoted the best part of a day's labour by an experienced guzzi mechanic - so it's likely to be about 3 plus for me, especially since there's a few other things to do while I'm in there.