'85 vf700f gear linkage

The gear selector has gotten quite loose. Riding normal it is not a problem, but hard acceleration shifting I am hitting false neutral sometimes between gears, and not just between 1st and 2nd. I think it is just all in the linkage as it is very loose now. The shift lever is very sloppy.
So I am just looking for some tips from other first gen. owners that may have remedied this same problem before I tackle it myself.

 

There are some guys on the V4HondaBBS that are buying the ball joints from McMaster-Carr and replacing the worn out ones on their bikes. So far everyone raves about it. You might want to go out there and do a search. All of the part numbers are listed. I think it's only a $10 modification!

 

Thanks! There is some good info on that site. It sounds like the linkage may be a bit harder to shore up than I expected so the ball-joint replacement method may be the hot ticket. I am going to take mine off and see what I am working with and go from there. Great info much appreciated.