Finding Neutral
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 7,968
Likes: 15,754
From: Florida
It is usually an indication that the clutch needs adjusting. Plenty of comprehensive videos on just how to do it. It can also be a fluid issue, too low, too high or too old. Every Harley I have ever owned experienced the issue at least some. Some worse than others. My Indian or Victory never had/has the issue.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 3
From: Bronx
Neutral Problem
This is my first Harley but it is definitely harder to find neutral on my 2018 Deluxe than on other bikes I have owned.
A clutch adjustment did help but I find that when the bike is running hotter, it is harder to get it into neutral.
A clutch adjustment did help but I find that when the bike is running hotter, it is harder to get it into neutral.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 130
From: Maple City, Michigan
I did the internal adjust, then readjusted the cable.
Much better but not a hot knife thru butter.
I will test ride it a bit before readjusting again.
Thanks a bunch for the help guys!
(thinking about redline as well)
Much better but not a hot knife thru butter.
I will test ride it a bit before readjusting again.
Thanks a bunch for the help guys!
(thinking about redline as well)
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 130
From: Maple City, Michigan
Just another question about turning the center allen screw counterclockwise 1/2 to 1 full turn from contact.
Is it better to have it closer to 1/2 or 1 full turn?
I put mine at 3/4" turn.
Is it better to have it closer to 1/2 or 1 full turn?
I put mine at 3/4" turn.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
On a stock clutch I had good luck with Harley Formula+ oil in the primary, now I'm using Redline oil in my primary but not a stock clutch.
Make sure the primary oil level is not over filled.
Last edited by OldMike; Aug 25, 2022 at 12:59 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 731
From: Pennsylvania
I do not know the technical parts of this or the adjustment tricks. I just ride.
I had a 2021 Heritage 114 5-day rental last year with 3000 miles. Neutral was fine for the first 5 minutes. After that, no way, no how. Was NOT happening. I had it for 5 days and about 600 miles. My four hour stop & go traffic coming home from OC Bike week in October with no neutral was brutal! Some folks said a heel toe shifter adjusted just right would do it. Some said a quick but firm shift would do it. Some said bikes get better shifting into neutral after after 5k or 6k
Anyway, I purchased a 2019 Heritage 114 on a snowy day (no test ride). 6000 miles. Luckily I have had no issues with that bike but I was prepared for the worst.
I had a 2021 Heritage 114 5-day rental last year with 3000 miles. Neutral was fine for the first 5 minutes. After that, no way, no how. Was NOT happening. I had it for 5 days and about 600 miles. My four hour stop & go traffic coming home from OC Bike week in October with no neutral was brutal! Some folks said a heel toe shifter adjusted just right would do it. Some said a quick but firm shift would do it. Some said bikes get better shifting into neutral after after 5k or 6k
Anyway, I purchased a 2019 Heritage 114 on a snowy day (no test ride). 6000 miles. Luckily I have had no issues with that bike but I was prepared for the worst.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 534
Likes: 321
From: Tampa FL
Don't know if you did 1000 mile service yourself or dealer. But either way, check primary fluid level. If it is even slightly too high, you'll have trouble with neutral.With bike vertical (not side stand) fluid should be here.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 130
From: Maple City, Michigan
Thanks for the illustration, I did the 1000 myself.
I will take the derby cover off and verify the level. If it's too high I will drain and change the fluid as I'm getting close to the 5000 mile mark. I have several quarts of the HD recommended so I'll probably try the HD product once again.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 42
Likes: 11
From: Milwaukee
I own a 2019 Deluxe with 21,000 miles. I have always had difficulty finding neutral. After doing some maintenance this past winter I realized that the illustration in my owners manual (page 132 figure 57) is not an M8 Clutch Basket. It is probably a twin cam. The illustration shown by "Bodacious MC" is a correct M8.
The difference between the illustrations has you over filling by approx. 1/4". Since I have corrected the fluid level finding neutral is much easier.
I have had a long career in Graphic Arts and have done many illustrations for HD. I can understand how this happens. The Proof Readers have missed this one.
The difference between the illustrations has you over filling by approx. 1/4". Since I have corrected the fluid level finding neutral is much easier.
I have had a long career in Graphic Arts and have done many illustrations for HD. I can understand how this happens. The Proof Readers have missed this one.