Need Advice on TLC for 2000 Drifter

[greenbarn]

May need some elaboration on some of this
1) runs poorly, how exactly?  Won't stay running? idles rough?  (I'm assuming from #2 you haven't ridden it, so we're talking about an idle issue).    I'd start by draining the old gas, putting some fresh in and adding some seafoam.   And pull the plugs to check them out - replace if they are questionable, or just do it anyway - 30K and who knows if they have ever been done.

2) what exactly do you mean stuck in neutral?  Your description could be taken to mean a few different things I can think of.   Transmission shifter wont' move?  Or the shifter does shift, but the clutch won't apply any power?  Does it shift in and out of gear when the motor is not running (i.e. in gear so it wont' roll, neutral and it will).  Or perhaps, you start it in neutral, pull the clutch, but the shifter won't let the trans go into gear (i.e. clutch isn't working).   I doubt if the clutch plates could have ever gotten bad enough to cause the issues you're describing and have the PO still able to ride it at all.    The clutch on these is notorious for the master cylinder to get plugged up and then the clutch won't work.   Could be a bent shift fork (internal) or a bent foot shifter - if it's actually a transmission fail-to-shift issue.

3) You're probably right on that.  However, the torch will ruin your powder coat, if it isn't already.  Might be gentler if you can put the bracket in a vise and see if it will bend cold - depends on how much it needs bent.   If the powder coat is already pooched, might as well heat it and repaint it, I guess.

I'll email this to you, but it would really be better to keep it on the forum- this is how it benefits other people who could have similar issues.

[CousinVinnie]

OK Forum, Here ya go!

I just picked up a bone stock 2000 1500  from the original owner.  The bike has 30000 miles on it and is in need of some serious TLC.  The bike is in very good condition overall but it has issues. I believe it has been dropped on the right side.  The original owner sold it to his stepson and then got it back with minor damage to the right footboard and he had to replace the OEM exhaust. Here are the main issues:
1.  It starts, but runs poorly--possible bad gas/plug wires broke, or idle screw out of whack
2.  Tranmission stuck in neutral--Possible clutch out of adjustment, or in need of good servicing, OR the Vulcan clutch plate issue.
3   Right footboard bracket bent---a torch and some torque (hopefully)

Other than those main 3 issues everything else is just TLC maintenance; Battery, Tires, new fluids all around, fresh fuel

I would appreciate all inputs here.  I haven't picked it up yet and hope to have a plan of attack by the time I do.

Please send any ideas to ftdodgecavnut@hotmail.com as I don't get back here all that often

Cousin Vinnie

RIP Ratman