changing fluids for neutral problem
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 64
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From: milwaukee
changing fluids for neutral problem
I have 98 dyna with 24000 miles i have been having an issue with finding neutral . I made several adjustments on the clutch, took a few short rides around town and found neutral everytime......figured i finally found that sweet spot . I then decided to take a longer ride in the country for 40 minutes and just like before could not find neutral again. I am wondering if the harley fluids i am using could be the cause of this when the the bike gets really warm. i would consider changing fluids if there is a remote chance that this could be the culprit. I am trying to figure out why the longer rides would bring out this neutral problem and not sure what brand of fluids to switch to.
I have this exact same problem.
On short rides I can find neutral with a bit of fiddling, but on a full day riding it’s impossible to find.
I have to shut the bike off in gear, let it cool a bit and then put it in neutral.
Pretty annoying having to pull the clutch all the time during a short stop.
On short rides I can find neutral with a bit of fiddling, but on a full day riding it’s impossible to find.
I have to shut the bike off in gear, let it cool a bit and then put it in neutral.
Pretty annoying having to pull the clutch all the time during a short stop.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,281
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Fortunately there are lots of choices other than HD for fluids. Unfortunately there are even more opinions as to what works best. Like they say, results may vary. Try the search function here to come up with some posts and recommendations. It's easy enough to change out primary oil so you may have to experiment with it a little.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
Every Harley I have owned has had this issue.....I think it has more to do with the transmission gears then the fluid, but others have found what works for them and have said it works changing fluid, from ATF to Amsoil....
like nevil said...try a few different ones and document your findings
like nevil said...try a few different ones and document your findings
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,440
Likes: 148
From: Northwest
My own experience is proper adjustment of clutch, and using 75/90 gear lube in the tranny (winter) and 75/140 in summer. Also, not overfilling the primary with the same oil you use in the engine.
For me, Mobil-1 is my go-to.
Never an issue finding neutral no matter how many hours I spend at a time in the saddle. A properly adjusted primary chain will assist with that... again.. my opinion.
For me, Mobil-1 is my go-to.
Never an issue finding neutral no matter how many hours I spend at a time in the saddle. A properly adjusted primary chain will assist with that... again.. my opinion.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
I was going to comment on the primary chain tension, seems like people who run the Hayden or Baker ones have an easier time finding neutral....
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 697
Likes: 583
From: Edgewater, Florida
I have owned 14 HD's over the years and never had that problem. Adj the clutch per the Manuel. I use Amsoil 20w50 in the primary and the Trans if that helps you.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 190
Likes: 14
From: Spring Hill Kansas
Mine is easy to find as well, I am running RedLine primary fluid and shockproof in the transmission.
Been thinking of going to 75/90 Redline gear oil in the transmission the shockproof just seems kinda then to me.
Been thinking of going to 75/90 Redline gear oil in the transmission the shockproof just seems kinda then to me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
Regarding fluids being the culprit: while I was still in the "break-in period" with my '14 Ultra, I was having a brief conversation with my salesman and I mentioned that I was having a bitch of a time finding neutral. He mentioned that was common with the thicker "break-in fluids" HD used from the factory. He suggested the condition would improve when "normal" fluids were used after my first service - it did improve.