The elusive Neutral
 

Lots of threads on the Neutral issue, where shifting from 1st to Neutral at a light (to prevent hand cramps), is a c**p shoot. :)

What's the consensus, is this something Harley Davidson is aware of and can fix?

Or is it to be expected on a 2017 Street Bob?

Figured I'd start a new thread to get fresh input before deciding whether to take it to the shop.

#askingForAFriend

There may be a lot of threads with riders having trouble with finding neutral, but I don't believe it's really that widespread. It may seem like a lot, but compare those complaints to the overall number of riders that never have that issue and I don't think it's a thing the MOCO has to address.
Judging by the threads. the most common fix is to adjust the clutch and cable correctly.
If the bike is new to the rider it just may be a case of getting accustomed to how the trans works.
Your bike is under warranty so if you don't want to try adjusting the clutch yourself you may want to take it in.

The number one reason for difficulty finding neutral is dragging clutch plates, sounds like the problem is you're due for a clutch pack and cable freeplay adjustment. It's a simple job to do and one HD owners should become famaliar with. Always do the adjustments with the bike cold.

If you don't have the service manual there are videos that will help you see the process...

I'm riding a 2015 FXDLS and have no issues finding neutral. I had some issues when I first bought it, but that was because the toe of my boot was super stiff and I had no way to feel the neutral notch. Changed boots and made things much easier. I know that is silly, but that was the fix for an idiot like me. It doesn't feel any more elusive than any of the other 15 bikes I've owned.

Did your friend install forward controls without replacing the shift arm behind the primary? Other than what others have said, that's the only other reason I can think of.

^^^ This, I swapped to forwards but kept the shift arm and finding neutral is tricky to say the least. On the plus side it feels like I have a short shifter when I go through the gears.

I have a 2017 SB and dont have that issue. Actually recently I can tell it's on N w/o looking at the light. I have to add once in a while I have to try more than once to find the N, but that's hardly considered a fault.

Where did the OP say he installed FC? I guess I missed it somewhere

It becomes easier on newer bikes after a primary service (along with all the other oils) and complete clutch adjustment. Formula + in the primary and transmission.

if you are having trouble going from 1 to N or 2 to N, all you have to do is this...

Burp the throttle SLIGHTLY, and immediately move the shift into N

i guarantee this will work. i've adjusted my clutch a million times, as well as, my shift lever, and nothing was working.

someone told me to try the above method, and i have never had an issue finding N since...

this is on a 14 street bob with mid controls.

Try the obvious..., and most likely..., first - well I'll be damned :)

Ghost

Guess I'm lucky. Never had an issue finding "N" with any Harley. Even on my 2000 Dyna it's a breeze. Hope your issue is resolved. Sounds frustrating.

On my new Fat Bob (only 150 miles so far) I can find N easily while coasting to the light, but if I wait until I'm at a dead stop, I'll be playing with that damn clutch lever for a good 15 to 20 seconds or so to find neutral. It's an inconvenience, but it's not any more difficult than getting used to finding the damn kickstand.

Speaking of clutch lever, does anyone know if the height can be adjusted? Seems I have to squeeze my size 11s in there to get underneath it to shift up. Any way to get any more clearance there?

My 2016 FLD is nearly impossible to catch N on the first try, though sometimes it will just snick in like a rifle bolt. Inconsistency is frustrating! Have had multiple bikes and a Sporty... never this much difficulty. Bike was bought with 1500 miles on the clock and 1K service reportedly complete. Planning on changing out primary oil and will try full clutch adjustment.

2012 wide glide-92 Fxr no problems, I have always kicked it ( even when it's in 1st) down, then come up, if I remember right my 883 would fuse sometimes and I would roll back and fourth a little and she would pop in.

My 16' FXDF is a pain too, I rarely get it on the first go round at a light, and it's had its 1000mi service. I almost just opt out of going to N all together at lights and fight it till I go green again, doesn't seem right at all. Maybe go to HD since I'm still under warranty and ask to adjust and see if there's more to it?

Only time I have ever had a problem finding N was Clutch Needed Adjustment even though Shifting Fine otherwise through all the Gears .. Not saying this will solve your problem but certainly worth trying before tearing anything down and spending Big Bucks ..

As stated above start with a clutch adjustment. If all else fails we do have our N1 shift system which puts neutral on the bottom. Takes a little getting used to but works great.