Finding Neutral ???
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,183
Likes: 2,131
From: W. Texas
Finding Neutral ???
I know this is a newbie question but I need some help LOL
I have a 97 EG that I bought a couple months ago or there bout. Got fluids changed, fairing mounts fixed and got a bad vib at least to a reasonable level. Been riding it a bit back and forth to work. This thing (least to me) has a grumpy neutral. If I stop completely, clutch in finding neutral has been impossible so far. I was told this is a common thing. Kill the engine then put it in neutral. Is this right ??? I have learned to get neutral while coasting down some, can get at times with clutch out and giving it a little throttle. Clutch seems to be engaging and disengaging good. Not jumping when putting it in first gear, no surge when cranking with the clutch in. Up shift and down shift seem good it`s just a nightmare to find neutral if after I am at a complete stop. I`d appreciate some suggestions on this. Thanks for your time WP
I have a 97 EG that I bought a couple months ago or there bout. Got fluids changed, fairing mounts fixed and got a bad vib at least to a reasonable level. Been riding it a bit back and forth to work. This thing (least to me) has a grumpy neutral. If I stop completely, clutch in finding neutral has been impossible so far. I was told this is a common thing. Kill the engine then put it in neutral. Is this right ??? I have learned to get neutral while coasting down some, can get at times with clutch out and giving it a little throttle. Clutch seems to be engaging and disengaging good. Not jumping when putting it in first gear, no surge when cranking with the clutch in. Up shift and down shift seem good it`s just a nightmare to find neutral if after I am at a complete stop. I`d appreciate some suggestions on this. Thanks for your time WP
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Difficulty finding neutral is not uncommon, but I think you have a little more than difficulty. A properly adjusted clutch is the first step, including any inside the primary adjusting, which I'm not familiar with on a 97. If the clutch is OK, and it sounds OK from your description, then try changing the primary fluid to Mobil 1 ATF.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,183
Likes: 2,131
From: W. Texas
BG Right now the weather is to good. I`ll do some reading on the clutch adj. and see from there. I gotten the bike running wise to where I`m happy, Except for this Thank You sir WP
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
My bike has always been fickle! I adjust the clutch centre adjuster to half a turn out, then take out almost all the slack in the cable. Having ridden it a short while then adjust the cable again. Works well enough!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
I've got a smart new stainless spherical bearing link rod, but my front bushings are worn and I'm looking into replacing them. I would like to fit some sort of seal each end, to keep out the rain, but don't see an easy solution.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
Graham,
On that front bushing, the one that goes through the inner primary, I had problems with mine for years. The bushing itself is 2 thin little pieces of brass cage with some teflon or something inside. Anyway, I made a new one piece bushing from Delrin on my lathe and you wouldn't believe the difference. Also, since Delrin is self lubricating, no need to grease that thing anymore either.
On that front bushing, the one that goes through the inner primary, I had problems with mine for years. The bushing itself is 2 thin little pieces of brass cage with some teflon or something inside. Anyway, I made a new one piece bushing from Delrin on my lathe and you wouldn't believe the difference. Also, since Delrin is self lubricating, no need to grease that thing anymore either.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Aruba
The three most common things that affect shifting and especially finding neutral are clutch adjustment, fluid and linkage.
Step one, get the clutch adjusted correctly. This is fairly simple and there are quite a few posts here regarding this. Your manual will have this information and also there's videos on youtube.
Step two, use a primary fluid that works well. For most, this can be almost any kind of oil or tranny fluid. All you're doing is keeping the chain lubricated and the clutch discs wet. Some oils don't work well with a wet clutch. Usually more importantly is don't overfill the primary. Just cover the bottom of the clutch pack by about 1/8". Overfilling is listed as one of the causes for hard shifting and difficulty finding neutral.
Step three, make sure your shift linkage is correctly adjusted. Usually this is set up well from the factory but changing the linkage to something that looks better, someone changing the adjustment or additional slop from wear can throw it off. If you didn't have the bike from new, you don't know what has been changed which could be causing issues. This is why this is usually the last step.
Most people will find that neutral is easier to find from 1st gear rather than coming down from second while coasting to a stop.
Step one, get the clutch adjusted correctly. This is fairly simple and there are quite a few posts here regarding this. Your manual will have this information and also there's videos on youtube.
Step two, use a primary fluid that works well. For most, this can be almost any kind of oil or tranny fluid. All you're doing is keeping the chain lubricated and the clutch discs wet. Some oils don't work well with a wet clutch. Usually more importantly is don't overfill the primary. Just cover the bottom of the clutch pack by about 1/8". Overfilling is listed as one of the causes for hard shifting and difficulty finding neutral.
Step three, make sure your shift linkage is correctly adjusted. Usually this is set up well from the factory but changing the linkage to something that looks better, someone changing the adjustment or additional slop from wear can throw it off. If you didn't have the bike from new, you don't know what has been changed which could be causing issues. This is why this is usually the last step.
Most people will find that neutral is easier to find from 1st gear rather than coming down from second while coasting to a stop.