What's up with finding neutral?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,315
Likes: 1,663
From: Tampa
As been said, make sure your cable is adjusted properly. Now, having said that, take the following as you see fit:
Harley in their infinite wisdumb suggests using molasses in the primary so they can conglomerate all their oils into one basket when it's WAYYYY too thick. Change it to ATF. Yes, cheap ol' ATF. You don't trust me? Why the hell did Harley recommend it in the primary of the Evo then? Yup, right in the service manual as an acceptable substitute to their Formula +. There is nothing specially different between that primary and yours so why wouldn't it work? I've gone with ATF since I had a 1996 Sportster and have had great shifting since across 5 different Harleys.
Also, take your clutch apart and ditch that shitty spring plate and swap it out with a normal friction plate. Your friction zone in the clutch level will get a little narrower but you'll have very smooth neutral selection (when also using ATF). Energy One clutches sell a whole special kit but all you really need is one more clutch plate to replace the spring plate.
Harley in their infinite wisdumb suggests using molasses in the primary so they can conglomerate all their oils into one basket when it's WAYYYY too thick. Change it to ATF. Yes, cheap ol' ATF. You don't trust me? Why the hell did Harley recommend it in the primary of the Evo then? Yup, right in the service manual as an acceptable substitute to their Formula +. There is nothing specially different between that primary and yours so why wouldn't it work? I've gone with ATF since I had a 1996 Sportster and have had great shifting since across 5 different Harleys.
Also, take your clutch apart and ditch that shitty spring plate and swap it out with a normal friction plate. Your friction zone in the clutch level will get a little narrower but you'll have very smooth neutral selection (when also using ATF). Energy One clutches sell a whole special kit but all you really need is one more clutch plate to replace the spring plate.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
Couldn't agree more on the ATF. I've always said 50 wt. was too thick. Especially in colder weather. People don't seem to understand the concept of stiction and the problems associated with it. Now they're running 80w140 in it for fk sakes.
If it weren't for the green "N" I wouldn't even know it slid into neutral half the time. That's how easy it slides in running B&M TrickShift. No 1st gear clunking at all either.
If it weren't for the green "N" I wouldn't even know it slid into neutral half the time. That's how easy it slides in running B&M TrickShift. No 1st gear clunking at all either.
Last edited by 60Gunner; Apr 21, 2021 at 04:50 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 10,767
From: SE Michigan
before you start blowing money, give it some time
both my beemers were way more agreeable when i was looking for neutral, after a bit, I got to know my current Harley, and how to find neutral easily
both my beemers were way more agreeable when i was looking for neutral, after a bit, I got to know my current Harley, and how to find neutral easily
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,287
Likes: 7,773
From: West Central FL
The key to finding neutral is in the clutch rod adjustment. Run the nut in with your finger until it just touches then back it out about a quarter turn and lock it down. Adjust your cable and try it .
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
Change it to ATF. Yes, cheap ol' ATF. You don't trust me? Why the hell did Harley recommend it in the primary of the Evo then? Yup, right in the service manual as an acceptable substitute to their Formula +. There is nothing specially different between that primary and yours so why wouldn't it work?
Harley service manuals and owners manuals did not specify ATF as a substitute for Formula + in Evo era bikes, for one thing, Formula+ wasn`t around during the Evo era, it came out at the same time the 6 speed transmissions did, around `06.
The service manuals and owners manuals up through 2005 stated:
"Use only Harley Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant PN: 99887-84".
The clutch is a more complex design, the compensator is a completely different design, and a different primary chain tensioner, but yeah, other than all the parts in the primary drive being completely different, they are the same...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; May 1, 2021 at 09:42 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,315
Likes: 1,663
From: Tampa
I have to disagree here...
Harley service manuals and owners manuals did not specify ATF as a substitute for Formula + in Evo era bikes, for one thing, Formula+ wasn`t around during the Evo era, it came out at the same time the 6 speed transmissions did, around `06.
The service manuals and owners manuals up through 2005 stated:
"Use only Harley Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant PN: 99887-84".
The clutch is a more complex design, the compensator is a completely different design, and a different primary chain tensioner, but yeah, other than all the parts in the primary drive being completely different, they are the same...
Harley service manuals and owners manuals did not specify ATF as a substitute for Formula + in Evo era bikes, for one thing, Formula+ wasn`t around during the Evo era, it came out at the same time the 6 speed transmissions did, around `06.
The service manuals and owners manuals up through 2005 stated:
"Use only Harley Davidson Primary Chaincase Lubricant PN: 99887-84".
The clutch is a more complex design, the compensator is a completely different design, and a different primary chain tensioner, but yeah, other than all the parts in the primary drive being completely different, they are the same...
Regarding my Service Manual comment, while it wasn't an official Harley service manual my Clymer manual for my 1996 Sportster did say ATF is an acceptable substitute. If I still had that manual I'd take a pic of it.