Finding Neutral
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
An old timer taught me this trick---
From 1st gear - Rev the engine a little bit, and as the revs wind down use a little pressure ( about 1/2 the pressure you would use to go to 2nd gear) to lift the toe shifter up and it should drop right into neutral.
I had quite some trouble with my trike, but using this trick finding neutral is easy now.
From 1st gear - Rev the engine a little bit, and as the revs wind down use a little pressure ( about 1/2 the pressure you would use to go to 2nd gear) to lift the toe shifter up and it should drop right into neutral.
I had quite some trouble with my trike, but using this trick finding neutral is easy now.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,589
From: South Florida
My friend, do u know why it would be bad to downshift?
1) If u dnshift and rev the engine lie to 4K or higher that can't be gd. My dnshifting I do not even think it goes to 3K. Nothing straining the engine.
2) Also I had to replace (lost all my gears) the Clutch Hub (what the spline goes into that drives the rear wheels) that may have to do with constantly, I mean ALWAYS downshifting.
3) I think dnshifting saves ur brake pads.
BuzzCap7
1) If u dnshift and rev the engine lie to 4K or higher that can't be gd. My dnshifting I do not even think it goes to 3K. Nothing straining the engine.
2) Also I had to replace (lost all my gears) the Clutch Hub (what the spline goes into that drives the rear wheels) that may have to do with constantly, I mean ALWAYS downshifting.
3) I think dnshifting saves ur brake pads.
BuzzCap7
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
My friend, do u know why it would be bad to downshift?
1) If u dnshift and rev the engine lie to 4K or higher that can't be gd. My dnshifting I do not even think it goes to 3K. Nothing straining the engine.
2) Also I had to replace (lost all my gears) the Clutch Hub (what the spline goes into that drives the rear wheels) that may have to do with constantly, I mean ALWAYS downshifting.
3) I think dnshifting saves ur brake pads.
BuzzCap7
1) If u dnshift and rev the engine lie to 4K or higher that can't be gd. My dnshifting I do not even think it goes to 3K. Nothing straining the engine.
2) Also I had to replace (lost all my gears) the Clutch Hub (what the spline goes into that drives the rear wheels) that may have to do with constantly, I mean ALWAYS downshifting.
3) I think dnshifting saves ur brake pads.
BuzzCap7
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
When you take it to the dealer, ask the service manager to prove that neutral can be found on your bike without a problem, sitting still while at idle. If he can't do it, see if one of their techs can.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 2
From: SC
It could be where the shifter rocks (pivots). You may have to take it apart, clean it, lube it with wheel bearing grease, and slip it back together. If I remember correctly, it was around 1K miles I had to do this, never had to do it again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,537
Likes: 6,412
From: Honah Lee
It is more a learning process then anything. However I assume your are always going from 1st up to neutral? If it jumps by always go back to low and let the clutch out ever so slightly to make sure it's all back in proper position and then pull in clutch and lever up again. Once your bran and foot get connected it is quite easy. Six speeds are more difficult then 5 since the gate is smaller.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 69,901
Likes: 18,589
From: South Florida
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