clutch or shift fork?

[Jlin]

So i got into a debate with someone today: What he basically told me was that if the transmission pops from 3rd gear to second that's a problem with the clutch slipping. If that's the case I'd like to know how the clutch affects the engagement of gears while shifting and whether it's a different problem causing the gears to pop from 3rd to second.

Hopefully someone knowledgeable such as BrianP can shine in on this topic. I'm pretty sure when the gears pop it's mostly caused by improper shifting or damaged shift forks or other problems associated to the gears itself rather than the clutch. Any insight will be helpful

Thanks!

also, what really confused me was that he called up a bike shop and asked the mechanic the same question and the mechanic said it's the clutch problem.

 

[TwistedKestrel]

You're mixing commonly used ways of describing the problem. Gears do not "slip" ... they grind, pop out of engagement, do not engage in the first place. Clutches slip, either because they're not fully engaged, they're overheated, or they're worn out.

Describe what's happening.

 

[Jlin]

Edited. Apologies for the confusion I meant the gears popping out from engagement

 

[TwistedKestrel]

In that case, it's not the clutch. Sometimes it can be a simple problem with the shifter (sloppy linkage, interference with something else on the bike), but otherwise it's an internal problem - the dogs can be worn or damaged, the shift drum could be damaged, or shift forks can be bent.

 

[Jlin]

In that case, it's not the clutch. Sometimes it can be a simple problem with the shifter (sloppy linkage, interference with something else on the bike), but otherwise it's an internal problem - the dogs can be worn or damaged, the shift drum could be damaged, or shift forks can be bent.

Ok thanks I just needed people to confirm my hypothesis because he insisted that it's the clutch. would be nice if anyone else can chime in and either back up my hypothesis or refute it with an explanation.

Thanks!