2015 rgs
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
Wait, only able to start in neutral? Even with the clutch engaged? (lever pulled all the way in)
What exactly happens if you're not in N and you try to start. No response from the start button? i.e. NOTHING happens? No click, no nothing? Or does the starter try to engage and struggles or stalls? This is a US bike, yes? i.e. not bought in the EU and brought here.
Sorry for all the specific and repetitive questions, but trying to troubleshoot a very unusual condition over the internet requires you to be as specific and provide as much detail as possible... You're a nurse - think about how you would describe symptoms. You don't just say "he doesn't feel good" right? ;-)
And you said you can buy a jack. That'll be a hundred bucks or so for even a cheap one. Ride by the dealer where you bought the bike and ask the service writer to take a look. If you're nice they'll probably do it for nothing without hesitation. If that doesn't work, tell then you can only spend one hour on it to diagnose. At least you may get an answer - if you get nowhere here.
What exactly happens if you're not in N and you try to start. No response from the start button? i.e. NOTHING happens? No click, no nothing? Or does the starter try to engage and struggles or stalls? This is a US bike, yes? i.e. not bought in the EU and brought here.
Sorry for all the specific and repetitive questions, but trying to troubleshoot a very unusual condition over the internet requires you to be as specific and provide as much detail as possible... You're a nurse - think about how you would describe symptoms. You don't just say "he doesn't feel good" right? ;-)
And you said you can buy a jack. That'll be a hundred bucks or so for even a cheap one. Ride by the dealer where you bought the bike and ask the service writer to take a look. If you're nice they'll probably do it for nothing without hesitation. If that doesn't work, tell then you can only spend one hour on it to diagnose. At least you may get an answer - if you get nowhere here.
[/QUOTE]Before you start worrying about the belt, what about this? In NEUTRAL, no clutch, not running (though ignition on to confirm green N indicator) roll the bike forward a few feet, at least one wheel revolution. Then Try the same in reverse. If you’ve got a handy helper, maybe video the trial (with sound) so we can see anything odd.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Sorry, buy we can play this Q&A game all day and OP still isn't back on the hwy. Cut your losses and have dealer pick-up bike for a drive-train check...something's amiss. Unless you have the tools, time and talent to tear into the tranny/clutch, best to have service tech assess. This is the best option for getting you back on road & RN's should have some spare ca$h laying around for vehicle maint. 
Good luck!
Good luck!
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
Sorry, buy we can play this Q&A game all day and OP still isn't back on the hwy. Cut your losses and have dealer pick-up bike for a drive-train check...something's amiss. Unless you have the tools, time and talent to tear into the tranny/clutch, best to have service tech assess. This is the best option for getting you back on road & RN's should have some spare ca$h laying around for vehicle maint.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,068
Likes: 5,320
Not that I don't believe a too tight belt might be contributing to your issue, belts don't just magically tighten on their own. So, I'm doubting that's keeping you from backing up your bike. Tell us this. Before this happened, were you having any other issues with bike like shifting issues, noises, vibrations, etc? When was the last time the bike was serviced? Oh, and what happened with getting a floor jack so you can get the back wheel off the floor?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Maybe some weird issue with a failing wheel bearing that causes it to bind & lock when it's turned backwards? Possibly one on the rear wheel that's completely gone and causes the brake to bind up?
No clue, really.
No clue, really.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
From: South Bend
So I found that in neutral, with Neutral light on, I can only roll forward about 6 inches or so and the bike stops....seems like the exact same amount I can roll back. So weird. I'm almost ready to say screw it and have it towed to a shop 
I will, however, check the belt when I get home tonight. (What a summer...first summer single, broke down bike, and I'm working all the time!!)
I will, however, check the belt when I get home tonight. (What a summer...first summer single, broke down bike, and I'm working all the time!!)
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 2
From: South Bend
HAHA I'm beginning to think that's the best idea yet. Then I can report back what the actual problem was and prove once and for all I'm not all of the sudden a weakling lol
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 205
From: ORYGON
sounds like an " in gear" tranny /clutch not releasing. a jack could help determine this, but at that point you have spent $100 and still not fixed... better to spend the $100 for a service visit..... if i was in CO ... id swing by...i support single mothers ; )