What's up with finding neutral?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 2,225
From: College Station, TX
As mentioned, check clutch adjustment. Then change primary oil, I use Formula + and it seemed to help when I changed from using engine oil in the primary. Next, change transmission oil to actual gear oil, like the Redline Shockproof or Spectro 6 speed 75W-140. For me, changing the transmission oil to Redline Shockproof helped the most for smoother shifting and finding neutral. But the clutch adjustment should be checked to ensure it is correct, it isn't difficult and should be part of your regular maintenance anyway.
Another option for the primary and transmission is the Harley heavy Synthetic gear oil. I haven't used it yet, but is approved for both Harley primary and transmissions. See below
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...Oil/p/62600091
Description
TESTED-CERTIFIED for use in Harley-Davidson transmission and primary chaincase applications. Exclusively engineered for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, this Heavy Synthetic Gear Oil is intended for use in extreme temperature environments (desert heat or cold weather), frequent two-up riding and heavy load riding applications.
• Dual viscosity (SAE 80W-140) heavy weight gear & primary oil
• Developed with proprietary additives and pure synthetic base stock so it flows better at cold start-up then in high temperatures viscosity behaves like a 140 weight oil to provide maximum protection
• Formulated to maintain the proper coefficient of friction for clutch operation and provide superior lubrication for the primary chain drive
• Provides specialized lubricity for the anti-wear requirements of transmission gears across a wider temperature range than mineral based oil
• Approved by Harley-Davidson for use in all stages of transmission and primary chaincase life
• Not for use in the crankcase as a motor oil
Paul
Another option for the primary and transmission is the Harley heavy Synthetic gear oil. I haven't used it yet, but is approved for both Harley primary and transmissions. See below
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/e...Oil/p/62600091
Description
TESTED-CERTIFIED for use in Harley-Davidson transmission and primary chaincase applications. Exclusively engineered for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, this Heavy Synthetic Gear Oil is intended for use in extreme temperature environments (desert heat or cold weather), frequent two-up riding and heavy load riding applications.
• Dual viscosity (SAE 80W-140) heavy weight gear & primary oil
• Developed with proprietary additives and pure synthetic base stock so it flows better at cold start-up then in high temperatures viscosity behaves like a 140 weight oil to provide maximum protection
• Formulated to maintain the proper coefficient of friction for clutch operation and provide superior lubrication for the primary chain drive
• Provides specialized lubricity for the anti-wear requirements of transmission gears across a wider temperature range than mineral based oil
• Approved by Harley-Davidson for use in all stages of transmission and primary chaincase life
• Not for use in the crankcase as a motor oil
Paul
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 104
Likes: 34
I'll probably bite the bullet and buy one anyway.
Hopefully ill forget how spoiled I've become about a well engineered transmission.
My '67 Avenger has a smoother operation.
I would've thought that the dealership would at least make sure that their DEMO bikes where better dialed in.
Thank you
Hopefully ill forget how spoiled I've become about a well engineered transmission.
My '67 Avenger has a smoother operation.
I would've thought that the dealership would at least make sure that their DEMO bikes where better dialed in.
Thank you
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 774
From: Under Alot of Trees
Finding neutral used to be a a pita....tried clutch adjustment, different fluids, to no avail. Then I changed the shift rod linkage to one with heim ends instead of the crappy stock linkage. Made a huge difference, now I look forward to finding neutral just because is so easy. 
I wouldn't want to be in neutral at a light or stop sign though, ever. Gotta be ready to get out of the way very quickly just in case something is coming at you from behind or elsewhere un expectedly.
I wouldn't want to be in neutral at a light or stop sign though, ever. Gotta be ready to get out of the way very quickly just in case something is coming at you from behind or elsewhere un expectedly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,152
Likes: 9,564
From: central NC
I put a heel shifter on my SG. Now I just shift to first, stop, bump the heel shifter with my heel if I need to be in neutral, with an eye on the green neutral light, and I get it most times.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,443
Likes: 2,457
When I first got my SGS, I had the hardest time finding N. Even when I rented the 20 SG. Same thing. What helped me was, instead of tapping the lever, I put pressure on it until it goes to N. Now, every-time, it goes to N.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
And then there is the clunk.
A design feature HD says their customers desire.
HD gearboxes are fairly rough when compared to jap bike brands.
Adjust the clutch, change the oil, shift slow with dedication and learn to live with a HD gearbox.
A design feature HD says their customers desire.
HD gearboxes are fairly rough when compared to jap bike brands.
Adjust the clutch, change the oil, shift slow with dedication and learn to live with a HD gearbox.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
They are all a little different. I never got a hard shifting one until my 2020. M7 17 was no problem and neither were my twin cams.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 756
Likes: 133
From: Connecticut
I think it’s another one of those things they do when they’re new. All of mine got easier after a couple of thousand miles, or maybe I just got better finding it lol. My GF’s old Softail Slim was a true PIA though, right until we traded it at 35K. The only way to hit neutral was slight pressure under 10MPh while coming to a stop, which was exactly when you oughta be in first in case the car behind you is a bit distracted.
But I’ll tell ya, she’s still got a left hand grip that’d crack a walnut lmao!
But I’ll tell ya, she’s still got a left hand grip that’d crack a walnut lmao!
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 72
Likes: 34
From: TX
Neutral Issue Conquered
I had similar issues with finding neutral. I ride a 2012 Ultra Limited upgraded to a 110 ci motor and a Baker DD7. I had a devil of a time with gears grinding and finding neutral was nearly impossible. A motorcycle guru in Dallas suggested I change my clutch to a Screaming Eagle for the stronger spring and I also quit putting 20/50 oil in my transmission. Now I use 40/170 as Baker recommends and I have the smoothest shifting and finding neutral is no longer an issue.