kz1000 shifting question

I am currently reassembling a 1980 kz1000 engine. I have assembled the cases and installed the shift forks, I can shift it into 1st gear and back to neutral, but can't shift into 2nd or higher. the left shift fork won't slide over far enough for the other gears to engage. Is this normal while sitting, or is something wrong? The manual tells me to shift through all the gears, but it is not happening.

Normal

what prevents the gear from sliding over far enough while not moving?

There are 3 little steel balls on the output shaft that are part of the shift lockout mechanism. If you take a look at the "Transmission" parts diagram on Kawasaki.com you will see them. I believe the lockout gizmo was put on in 1978; my 1977 KZ650 doesn't have it but later models do. Ed

do they move or slide when the trans is rotating?

I believe they move out from the shaft via centrifugal force when the shaft is turning. That's the output shaft, so when it's turning the counter sprocket is turning which implies the bike is moving. Ed

Thanks Ed. I was about to brake the cases open again and inspect the transmission. I see the 3 steel ballsin the manual, although they don't tell you how they operate or what they do. I did not brake down the transmission so I did not look at them directly, I simply pulled it out and put it back in. I don't want to get it all back together, start it up and find I have a problem shifting. This helps to put my mind to rest. I appreciate the help.