The elusive Neutral
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
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,278
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
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.
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.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,756
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
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...
If you don't have the service manual there are videos that will help you see the process...
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 552
Likes: 70
From: Bellevue Washington
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.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 193
From: South
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.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,725
Likes: 193
From: South
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 56
Likes: 4
From: America
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.
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.