How do you tell if the transmission is bad on a zx-11D. does the shifter forks have the same symptoms as a transmission with bad gears?

Thats a really vague question.

First off, the trannys on an 11D are fundamentally the same as any tranny put between the cases of any Japanese bike in the last millineum.

Are you asking what the symptoms of a phucked tranny are and what they might be attributed to?

The most common symptom of bent/damaged shifter forks is the tranny will jump out of gear - especially when under hard load or when the RPM's are popped.

Edit: Oh yeah, forgot to add: The zx-11 trannys were notorious for weak 2-3 forks. I never had a problem with them because I have magic in my shift foot, but many have. ;-)