Shifting Issues

I have a 97 Heritage that will not shift down. It seems to be stuck in 3rd gear.
The shifter seems to stick and then will release as if it is shifting down to 2nd or first gear but is still in 3rd. To shift up it is hard also as if it is binding inside the trany.
Any suggestions or comments will be welcomed !

IceFire

If the linkage is not bound or loose, you might have a bent shift fork or a bad drum. Sometimes, the spring on the shift lever breaks (inside) and make shifting very hard at best.

Do not force it unless you want to buy new gears etc! If it is nothing obvious take it to the best indy in town and get it fixed.

Ok, I took the trany cover off, no visual signs of damage or worn parts. Pulled the shift cam and noticed the end supports had play on the shift shaft , ( worn bearings ? 17,000 kms on bike ) Pulled the shift forks which were all good, no bends or wear and the shift shaft was true. When I re installed the shift cam I left the bolts hand tight and tried to shift. I got all 5 gears working. As soon as I tighten the bolts down on the shift cam to specs I could only get 1st and nuetral. Should I direct my attention to the shift cam brearings, outer thrust washer, inner thrust washer or am I way off base here?

Icefire