Problem Finding Neutral
Problem Finding Neutral
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?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
There's a lot of ways to look at this issue. Some may say a different tranny lube, or additive could help. Some will tell you to readjust the clutch, not just adjusting the cable slack.
It also could be a loose primary chain. Open up the adjustment access on your primary and consider getting the gauge tool Harley makes to easy adjust it correctly.
It could mean the compensator is in need of repair / replacement.
And if that isn't enough there are adjustments to the shifter linkage and a transmission adjustment to align the shifter fork positioning correctly.
Start with the easy stuff first.
It also could be a loose primary chain. Open up the adjustment access on your primary and consider getting the gauge tool Harley makes to easy adjust it correctly.
It could mean the compensator is in need of repair / replacement.
And if that isn't enough there are adjustments to the shifter linkage and a transmission adjustment to align the shifter fork positioning correctly.
Start with the easy stuff first.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Sep 18, 2011 at 09:22 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Just with you saying " 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." makes me think the clutch isn't engaging enough. I think I would start by adjusting the clutch as per manual and change the primary oil and make sure primary chain isn;t too tight. I here of alot of normal issues with 3rd to 4th but not 2nd to 1rst or 1rst to second but as was mentioned you can fine tune the shifter fork.
Probably wouldn't hurt to change gearbox oil as well, I use BelRay but I don't think the type would matter.
Probably wouldn't hurt to change gearbox oil as well, I use BelRay but I don't think the type would matter.
Last edited by RidemyEVO; Sep 18, 2011 at 11:56 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
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.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
If it's in the primary chain, the issue is how tight the chain is. If set correct it should slip into first, up into neutral real smooth. Same with coming down from second.
If it's sloppy for some crazy reason it makes shifting, and finding the gears and neutral a little more difficult.
It's one of those "don't ask why it works" situations ... but it does.
And yes, many have found improvements in using different fluids too.
If it's sloppy for some crazy reason it makes shifting, and finding the gears and neutral a little more difficult.
It's one of those "don't ask why it works" situations ... but it does.
And yes, many have found improvements in using different fluids too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Here is my take. This is based solely on looking at your sig pic. I see you have clutch lever covers. Take them off. If you have grip covers, take them off as well. Lastly, adjust the clutch cable to remove every last bit of slack without the obvious over tightening that would trash your throw out bearing. I had the same issue and all I needed was just a little bit more clutch pull to get the clutch to fully disengage. I was getting clutch drag (which was effecting my ability to get neutral) because all my covers were keeping me from a full clutch pull. Yes, that last 1/4-3/8" of pull made all the difference...... just sayin'.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Clutch is not disengaging properly. Besides the external (cable) adjustment, there may be an internal adjustment to your clutch setup. I'm not familiar with the later Evo clutches, but my clutch as internal adjustments as well, and I'm not talking about the nut at the end of the pushrod, but the spring thingie.
After it is adjusted properly (whatever that takes), and the chain is adjusted right as well, then try running some Mobil 1 ATF as your primary fluid.
After it is adjusted properly (whatever that takes), and the chain is adjusted right as well, then try running some Mobil 1 ATF as your primary fluid.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Poland, EU
+1 on the ATF. I swtiched from "standard" primary lube to Mobil1 ATF and the shifting has changed for better.
I`ve found out that very low idle may affect shifting into neutral as it did on my FLHT. Also the primary chain slack will affect the shifting and final drive belt slack will affect it, too.
I`ve found out that very low idle may affect shifting into neutral as it did on my FLHT. Also the primary chain slack will affect the shifting and final drive belt slack will affect it, too.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: N.E. Ohio
+1 for the Mobil 1. I always used HD primary fluid since new. Last fluid change I was out of it. I tried type F Valvoline trans fluid and adjusted the clutch. I found finding neutral difficult. Drained it out and changed to the Mobile 1 and it shifts right in with no problems. I didn't re-adjust the clutch or change anything. I have had the bike since new and have never really had problems with finding neutral. If all the other adjustments are right and The Primary chain is right and it's still being difficult try the Mobil 1.