Problem Finding Neutral
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
My first thought is clutch. On my 1990 bike it is quite critical to get the adjustment right. I have almost no cable slack at the hand lever. There is no certainty I will get neutral when the bike gets really hot, like in traffic, but the gear change is fine and neutral is there most of the time.
I have thought of fitting a set of fancy clutch plates and have read favourable reviews of Barnett's carbon fibre clutch plates, claiming improved and quiet neutral selection and super smooooth take-up, very desirable characteristics which may help you.
I have thought of fitting a set of fancy clutch plates and have read favourable reviews of Barnett's carbon fibre clutch plates, claiming improved and quiet neutral selection and super smooooth take-up, very desirable characteristics which may help you.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Graham everything is 100% better well other than the odd time I miss 3rd to 4th but thats the gearbox fine adjustment and I'm just not that fussy, I'd rather ride. The first time you drop it into first you'll be checking twice to make sure it went in it so smooth.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
That's great to know Lynn, many thanks. My list of winter projects is getting longer!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Maricopa, CA
OK so yea, I know.... but really. I've had bikes all my life and have had some that were touchy, and for the most part I can find neutral on just about anything. So, please, this is not a newbie post.
This is on my 96 FLHR. When the motor is off, clutch in, I can pop the trans into neutral at will. No problem going up from first or down from second. Totally easy.
When the motor is running, clutch in and the bike stopped, I have to really wallop it to get from first to second, or second to first, and there is No way it's stopping in neutral.
When the bike is just starting to warm up real good, I head down the road and sometimes getting from first to second can be a little stiff the first shift or two, but all in all, I have no trans complaints.
Is this just a clutch adjustment issue (I hope) or is something else up? What to check? I'm assuming this isn't normal.... or is it?
This is on my 96 FLHR. When the motor is off, clutch in, I can pop the trans into neutral at will. No problem going up from first or down from second. Totally easy.
When the motor is running, clutch in and the bike stopped, I have to really wallop it to get from first to second, or second to first, and there is No way it's stopping in neutral.
When the bike is just starting to warm up real good, I head down the road and sometimes getting from first to second can be a little stiff the first shift or two, but all in all, I have no trans complaints.
Is this just a clutch adjustment issue (I hope) or is something else up? What to check? I'm assuming this isn't normal.... or is it?
Biggie
HAMC
So I adjusted the clutch by setting the adjuster screw 1/2 turn out hoping to get maximum play from it. Adjusted the lever so there was about 3/16 play in it. Filled the primary with Mobile 1 ATF, fired it up, pops in and out of neutral while running no problem 
It needs a state inspection so I'll run up to the inspection place with it tomorrow for a shakedown ride, but I think I'm set. Only bad thing that happened was a scorched my hand on the heat shield while getting the boot of the cable adjuster stuff when I was done (doh!)
Thanks guys!
It needs a state inspection so I'll run up to the inspection place with it tomorrow for a shakedown ride, but I think I'm set. Only bad thing that happened was a scorched my hand on the heat shield while getting the boot of the cable adjuster stuff when I was done (doh!)
Thanks guys!
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
Two words... RED LINE! Best tranny fluid out there. I run it both bikes now. Looks like Pepto Bismol going in the hole.. but it sure works well!
I just blip the throttle on Bertha, and upshift into neutral while the engine is coming back down. Seems to work. I did have a hard time getting Bertha's clutch adjusted just right though... a 1/8 turn on the adjusting screw seems to make a huge difference.
I just blip the throttle on Bertha, and upshift into neutral while the engine is coming back down. Seems to work. I did have a hard time getting Bertha's clutch adjusted just right though... a 1/8 turn on the adjusting screw seems to make a huge difference.
Last edited by NorthGeorgiaHawg; Sep 28, 2011 at 10:33 PM.
