2nd Gen vf500f, "missing" gears

The bike is an 86 with approx 22,700 miles.
Beginning this weekend the gear shifts began, inconsistently, "missing" their mark... It will ussually shift to second fine, but when going for third the shift lever does nothing on the first upward kick, it moves up totally free of resistence, then once it comes down, the second attempt is firm and actually swaps the gear. It then does this through to 4th, sometimes 5th. In most cases, I actually have to kick the lever twice to make any upward gear changes. Down shifting however, dosnt give me any problems.

I'm not sure I want to pay a shop for this and I really dont feel like tearing it apart myself. Im beginning to get tired of the constant crap this bike is giving me...at least as long as its my only bike. Everytime I ride I can identify more things that it needs. Its hard to relax when I take it out. Yet I do still love it..

I would love to know if anyone can identify the problem here though. Thanks.

 

It may be worth noting that the clutch slave cylinder gradually leaks fluid. I have to fill the master every 80 to 100 miles. I dont imagine the clutch actuation would have an effect on whether or not the gears catch, but who knows. I didnt notice a difference in the shifter once I topped off the clutch fluid, but there was an instance later in the day when I noticed it catch the grears more often. Maybe 20 to 30 minutes after I filled it.

I feel like its unrelated, but it gave me hope haha.

 

One of you experienced and wise people must have something for me...is it the age thing? should this have been posted in the vintage area?

 

The end of the shift drum has a ratchet style mechanism that turns it, sounds like one of the small little ratchets may have a problem or the spring tab broke that holds the pawl in the oot position. First thing to look at.Two beer job. Part 10 and 11 in the link.
1986 Honda Interceptor 500 VF500F Parts, 1986 Honda Interceptor 500 VF500F OEM Parts - BikeBandit.com

 

Two beer job...I like you. Thanks for the tip, it's encouraging. I'll have a look at it tomorow.

 

Keep us posted.

 

Well I rode it about 30 miles yesterday to try and feel more closley at when it would miss, and it barley missed at all...maybe 4 times the whole ride. I'll pull it apart eventually, but right now it seems to be working better. I'll post pictures if I find anything strange in there. Maybe she was just in a bad mood last week...