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ok sounds like a newbie question (which i am)

but no matter how hard I try, I cant get my 68 yamaha 350 to shift into first. Everytime whithout fail it will stall (I havent tried reving it really high because I dont want to break anything). Now Ive droven a std car before and know the drill but it just seems like something is wrong.

any advice

Thanks

It is possible that the clutch is not properly adjusted. If the clutch is dragging with the lever pulled all the way in, it will lurch and die. This assumes the clutch is even actuating.....

Adjust it by turning the threaded metal portion, ussually near the lever end of the cable, so that you feel the resistance of the clutch springs begin when you pull the lever in about 1/2 inch or so. You can fine-tune this actuation piont with the adjuster at the lever as you go.

Give that a try......

Some bikes (especially older ones) always have sticky clutch plates when first started for the day, until it's been ridden and shifted a bit, and this could be adding to the problem.

If you have never ridden before, stop reading here.....

If your confident in your riding skills........ you can try starting at the top of an incline or even pushing on level ground, pull the clutch and drop into first gear while moving. If your clutch is fused or just not working, you will have to stall the bike to stop it (kill switch!), but it might loosen the plates up..... use your best disgretion here, be safe.

well i got it do go in gear once and rode it around the block but even then it lurched at first and had to give it a lot of throttle to get going and not die.

Since then i can't get it in gear

ill give the adjustment a try

thanks