Broken return spring on gear selector

[JCB MZ]

I think I broke my return spring on the gear selector on my SUPA5. Is it a major strip down to replace this part ?
Thank you for any suggestions.

[dave47]

I'm afraid so. It was a notoriously annoying feature of the engine design. Some people would resort to bungee cords and other external devices rather than face knocking the engine apart. Sorry!

[JCB MZ]

No that's great to get the confirmation , I thought it was the case but just wanted to check before going to the trouble. It actually broke on Saturday during a 236 mile round trip after about 80 miles unfortunately. Managed to get along with a bungee wrapped around the crank attached to the foot lever but still a very awkward feel. A couple of dodgy moments where it stopped me completely in heavy traffic where I couldn't get the right gear and the clutch was working too hard but on the whole got me back ok. Will need to replace the spring before the next one. I have been accused of being too heavy footed with it before so will need to be more careful so I don't break another one !!Thanks very much for your response. Cheers John

[Blurredman]

You were at Carrog?

[JCB MZ]

We were in Wales but not Carrog. We went from Dudley via Welshpool to Barmouth ( up Dinas Mawddwy stuck in 2nd Gear !!) and on to camp at Shell Island. Great trip despite all the rain. My mate on his 1926 Norton with his 92 year old dad in the sidecar also had a few mechanical issues, nothing major but all part of the fun. Even when he ran out of petrol (for the second time on one of our trips lol) Cheers.