Hi, first time poster here. I recently purchased a 97 Savage with just over 10000 miles on it. After riding it some I found out I can't shift into fifth gear. After scouring these forums I have found this is an issue common with Savages but I feel mine is different.
For starters, I have tried clutch-less shifting and all the recommendations for shifting into 5th found on this site and the rest of the web. The problem is, it doesn't feel like there is a 5th gear at all when I try to change from 4th. I mean the gear shifter is like a wall. Lifting up on the gear shifter while in 4th gear is no different that trying to push down on the gear shifter while in 1st gear. I've tried with all my might to slide into 5th but to no avail. I recently changed the oil as well with 15w40 and noticed no change.
I know that Savages didn't have 5 gears until 95, mine is a 97. I even double checked the VIN on the title the seller gave me (who also insisted it went into 5th fine before I bought it from him) and everything checks out.
Other than this, the bike seems to run great but I am nervous about taking it on the highway and going above 55 in 4th. It's kind of a deal breaker, seeing as I need the highway to do most of my commuting to work.
Sorry for the wall of text. Does anyone have any advice on this matter?
Thanks for any help and I look forward to being a part of this awesome forum!