Bent Shifter on CL77!

[RedlightG20]

So I was driving my '66 CL77 around the neighborhood and stopping every minute or two to adjust the clutch cable to get rid of the clutch slipping. As I pulled into my driveway, turned the bike off and set the bike up on the kickstand, I started walking away to bring some tools inside. Then I heard a crash!

I turned around and the bike had fallen down on its left side. Doh! I've never had a bike fall down on me after putting the kickstand out, but I guess I wasn't very careful this time.

Anyway, there is really no damage to the bike since most of it fell into the soft grass (thankfully), but I did notice that the shift lever could not shift upward due to it being bent inward, and it hits the gearbox.

If I pull the shift lever outward from the bike just slightly (I think there is naturally a mm of leeway), there is enough room for the end of the lever to move up and down freely, so the end of the lever is just a few mm off.

Is there any way to fix this? I suppose I could bend it back into place, as it doesn't require much of an adjustment. Maybe throw the shift lever into the oven for a little bit to heat it up then bend it back slightly? I've looked on the internet for a replacement shift lever but so far haven't had much luck.

[banksc1970]

Redlight,
New arm is available from OhioCycle.com, but you may just try to bend that one back as you previously stated. Part number below:

CB72/77 24711-268-030 GEAR SHIFTER ARM $27.00

Here is a link to their catalog page:
http://www.ohiocycle.com/catalog2.html

[Gunner_CAF]

My son learned a trick from a guy at the motorcycle shop. It was for bent hand levers, but will also work for other things. If you want to straighten it, place the part on a bench, both ends need to be touching the bench. Use a rubber or deadblow hammer to remove the bend. The important part is to have both ends on the bench. If you don't, it may break. I have tried this and it works.

Gunner

[RedlightG20]

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions. I'll try to bend it back tomorrow and report back.

[LOUD MOUSE]

As it is cast iron a good heating with a torch at the bend will allow ya to bend it and may not fracture the part. .......lm

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions. I'll try to bend it back tomorrow and report back.

[RedlightG20]

Alright so I went ahead and tried the oven trick. Heated the shift arm for about 25-30 minutes, then took it to the garage and gave it a couple of gentle whacks with a rubber mallet. Got it bent right back to where it should be and works great!

LM-- I can see how a torch would really help keep the shape of the arm if done with care, as it naturally has a curve to it. Hitting it with the mallet flattened it out just slightly, but is hardly noticeable. Had I had the tools, I would have gone the torch route.

Thanks guys!