When my stock 16 Heritage is not running, regardless of whether the motor is cold or hot, it will very easily falls into neutral. When the bike is running it is very difficult to find neutral. Just did a 3-hole oil change using 20W-50 full synthetic for V-Twin. It did not fix the problem. So I ask, why does the bike have no problem finding neutral when it's not running but it's almost impossible to find neutral when it's running? Has anyone else had this problem and if so, what is the fix/adjustment that's needed? Thanks for your feedback!

 

adjust your clutch.......

 

Thank You!

 

You have too much oil in your primary. The fluid level should be at the bottom of the clutch plate, and that means you might need less oil than what your manual says.

 

Thanks for the advice. The manual calls for 38 ozs. for the primary, which is what I used. I'm not a mechanic. I'd appreciate if you could you explain in layman terms how using less oil than HD specs might contribute to a 'finding neutral' problem. Thanks again.

 

Watch the following YouTube post, particularly the picture of the fluid level. While the ride you have is different than the one in the video the process for all Harley's remains the same.

https://youtu.be/aBYlqcRx-PI

 

VTBIGDOG - The video was an eye opener. He concludes by saying too high a level results in clutch drag and too low can cause overheating. I will be checking the level to make sure it's at the bottom of the clutch plate. If anything, it might be too high. I don't understand why clutch drag would cause a 'find neutral' problem but again, I'm not a mechanic. Thanks again - appreciate the help!

 

I think the proper spec should be more like 28oz. Less than a full quart.

 

Too thick of fluid will cause drag.(stiction)
IM0 20W50 is too thick. Especially in colder climates. Never had an issue and it slides in like butter running B&M TrickShift or any type F ATF.
For motor oil. 10W30 or 10W40 in hotter climates is plenty thick.
clutch drag causes the problem because the plates/discs are sticking together. It can also creep while in gear with the clutch lever pulled in.

 

I think the proper spec should be more like 28oz. Less than a full quart.

I'm pretty sure trans fluid is 26oz and primary 36 oz.