RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

htown16 said:

Are you rotating the sprocket while attempting to shift the gearbox?

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Yep, that helps a bunch but it still seems like it should be easier to hit the gears.
I'm going forward with the assumption that it's normal, but I tend to worry about everything...

I've always found dry shifting more crunchy than when riding. As long as you can get all four gears I wouldn't worry about it at this point. If you are still having problems when riding it is likely the hair pin needs a slight adjustment. Easy to do with bike assembled just pull the outer gearbox cover. One reason to never use gasket sealer on both sides of that gasket.