Problem Getting into Neutral.

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Mar 16, 2009 | 10:07 AM

DeathProof72

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Problem Getting into Neutral.

Not sure if I have a problem, or just that I am not used to my transmission.

I have less than 100 miles on my 2009 FXDB and what I notice is that it is really tricky to get the bike into neutral, from second gear, usually miss it, from 1st gear, only the lightest of touches will put the bike into neutral, otherwise I end up back in 2nd.

And last when shifting from Neutral to 1st, just clicks into gear quietly, no loud clunk line other bikes I have ridden.

Just curious if this is all normal..

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:14 AM

Phrogman

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From: Deltona, FL

I had issues finding neutral on my 09 Fat Bob, up until I did my own 1000 mile service. I found that the clutch cable was way out of adjustment. Once I properly adjusted the cable and set my end-play at the lever, she slides right in to neutral.

Basically, the clutch was never set right during initial setup of the bike.

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:17 AM

ratt196635

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From: Dallas TX

yes it normal you will get better at it. i almost never get it from 2ed.

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:19 AM

DeathProof72

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Phrogman

Mine was checked, but before I rode it, and I mad mentioned that I wanted less pull distance, and even though they said it was within specs, I think they adjusted the lever in a minute distance. Could that be it? How hard is it to adjust? How can I test specs?

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:20 AM

DeathProof72

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ratt196635

yes it normal you will get better at it. i almost never get it from 2ed.

Does yers clunk from neutral to 1st? Or just a quiet click? My CBR 900 and other bikes had a more definitive sound when the bike was in first from neutral, so maybe they are just different?

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:22 AM

ratt196635

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From: Dallas TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathProof72

Does yers clunk from neutral to 1st? Or just a quiet click? My CBR 900 and other bikes had a more definitive sound when the bike was in first from neutral, so maybe they are just different?

quiet most of the time clunk ever once in a while

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:35 AM

Phrogman

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From: Deltona, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathProof72

What really needs to be checked is the engagement of the ramp and ball assembly in the tranny. This is done through the derby cover on the clutch hub. I highly recommend you get the maintenance manual and follow the procedures in there for adjusting the clutch, but here is a run down.

1) Basically, what you do is create slack in your cable, run it all the way out.

2) Open up your derby cover. Then, loosen the 11/16" (it may actually be a metric size now, not sure, I still use an 11/16" wrench) nut at the center of your clutch hub.

3) There is an allen headed screw in the center of said nut. Once the nut is loose, turn the allen screw in until all free play is removed (do not tighten it, just turn it in until you feel it bottom out).

4) Now back the allen screw out 1/2 to 1 turn (I stop at 1/2 turn, backing off more will change where your clutch engages/disengages at the lever and can be set to personal preference).

5) Hold the screw with an allen wrench while tightening the 11/16" nut. I'm not at home, so I don't remember if there is a torque value, but it's basically just a set nut anyway.

6) Close up the derby cover

7) Tighten cable until there is 1/16" to 1/8" free play at the lever.

If you are not doing a fluid change while doing this, make sure the bike is level while your derby cover is off or you will leak primary fluid.