Finding Neutral
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
Clutch adjustment time. Change tranny to a good synthetic. Use a good primary fluid like the Mobil 1 4xt. Make sure primary has proper amount of fluid.
My 07 has never has had a problem with finding neutral.
My 07 has never has had a problem with finding neutral.
My 08 street bob did til I put royal purple in it. And red-line in the primary. Bike is noticeably quieter and neutral is easy now. I learned about red line in this forum. Thanks for the info guys
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
I am surprised to hear so many people saying this is an issue for them. Not anything I've ever had a problem with, or heard of other people I ride with having issues with it.
One thing - you say you have a problem going from second to neutral. You should. It's not supposed to work that way. I know it can, but, it's never an easy thing to do. Neutral is supposed to be up from first. Pop it all the way down, put a bit of pressure under the lever, it should pop right in. If it doesn't - check your fluid level and clutch adjustment.
One thing - you say you have a problem going from second to neutral. You should. It's not supposed to work that way. I know it can, but, it's never an easy thing to do. Neutral is supposed to be up from first. Pop it all the way down, put a bit of pressure under the lever, it should pop right in. If it doesn't - check your fluid level and clutch adjustment.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
Mine was great at first. When I drove it off the floor. Then, as the miles accumulated, finding neutral was more difficult. Then I adjusted the clutch at the 1000 mile service. I also changed to Amsoil. Then neutral was easy to find. For about 1500 miles. Then I found it giving me just a little trouble. So, I adjusted the cable. It is good now with a little over 3000 miles on the bike. I believe it is a maintenance thing. Also, when I do the next service at 5000 miles, I plan on adjusting the clutch 3/4 of a turn rather than 1/2 of a turn just to compare how 3/4 compares to 1/2. Just to get to know my bike a little better.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
Bought a brand new 2012 Ultra Classic Electra Glide and I can't get my bike into neutral. Shifting is fine otherwise. When in first, even the slowest, most deliberate attempt to get it into neutral puts me in 2nd. Same thing when I try to go from 2nd into neutral (it goes into 1st).
Like others have said, just about the only time you want to find neutral is when you are parked and the engine is off, anyhow. I shift to neutral to start it - stopped in traffic, at a light, or parked it's always in 1st gear.
Last edited by brenn; Oct 6, 2011 at 06:22 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I just got used to it and don't bother putting it in neutral until I warm it up. Otherwise I shut it off in 1st. Pull clutch in when I come back out to continue along my ride. You'd be surprised how often you really don't need it. A quirk..that's livable.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 3
From: kansas
This was never a issue with Deluxe, but with my SG it has been a issue since i drove it home. Kinda of frustrating, when pulling in my garage i need to back my bikes up into the corner and I have to screw around and find neutral. It does seem to be easier to find neutral when bike has been shutoff.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
My prob is new clutches. I need to find neutral when stopping to light a smoke or at a drive-thru like at the bank or smoke shop. I get it in 2nd & at an idle & at the proper speed (about 4 or 5 mph) tap it down into neutral. Slides right in. At a dead stop I can never hit neutral when engine is running. I got a 1200 Sporty.