Finding Neutral
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From:
When ya ride it long enough you'll probably get the feel for stepping it down from 2-N w/o even using the clutch. Our old Sportster is NEVER is good at finding N, our old Shovel is a little better but still can be a bit be tight. Always stepped from 2 to N at correct road/RPM speed. Our 07 Heritage was tight @ 1400 mi when bought - by 2000 mi it was way better and shifts smooth, I still by habit, when slowing just step it out of 2 to N no clutch at the correct road/RPM speed
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 84
From: Southern Maine / Seacoast NH
I just stepped up to an '08 FLSTN this past weekend from an '02 XL1200C. Granted my Softail has almost 18k on the odometer, but the difference is pretty dramatic, between the two, for me. The sportster was EASY to find neutral most of the time (except when hot, then sometimes it took forever - never really figured out what the deal was with that), so much so that I really had to be conscious of upshifting to second when leaving a light - I'd miss the shift once or twice a ride. Pretty embarrassing to rap the throttle open (with drag pipes) in neutral in traffic.
The Softail takes a much softer tap to hit neutral. about half the force, and half the throw distance on the lever. Some of this is due to the transmission I'm sure, which is much smoother shifting. Not sure if more of it is because of the amount of mechanical 'slop' (or lack thereof on the Deluxe) in the shift linkage setup. I'm much more reliable hitting second gear on the Softail (though I did miss the shift once yesterday), and I'd rather have that than an easy to find neutral - missing a shift to 2nd in traffic could potentially be a safety issue. I very rarely use neutral while actually riding. I haven't gotten used to heel/toe shifting yet, so all of this comparison is strictly toe shifting on the Deluxe. I'm sure once I start heel shifting, the first to second miss will be even less likely.
The Softail takes a much softer tap to hit neutral. about half the force, and half the throw distance on the lever. Some of this is due to the transmission I'm sure, which is much smoother shifting. Not sure if more of it is because of the amount of mechanical 'slop' (or lack thereof on the Deluxe) in the shift linkage setup. I'm much more reliable hitting second gear on the Softail (though I did miss the shift once yesterday), and I'd rather have that than an easy to find neutral - missing a shift to 2nd in traffic could potentially be a safety issue. I very rarely use neutral while actually riding. I haven't gotten used to heel/toe shifting yet, so all of this comparison is strictly toe shifting on the Deluxe. I'm sure once I start heel shifting, the first to second miss will be even less likely.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Ponchatoula, LA
My advice is it's not really necessary to mess with anything, my Slim was exactly the same way. I've only had it a little over 3 months and now it slips right into neutral. Mine very gradually, got slightly better as I rode, then was dramatically better after the 1000 mile service. Just be patient.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Ponchatoula, LA
Me too, it will get better, patience grasshopper.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
1, Give it a few miles to loosen up.
2, Downshift to 1st then into neutral, rocking it can help.
3, Switch to synthetic, I only use Amsoil and it barely even "clicks" when shifting. It's never ideal to start or turn a bike off when in gear.
2, Downshift to 1st then into neutral, rocking it can help.
3, Switch to synthetic, I only use Amsoil and it barely even "clicks" when shifting. It's never ideal to start or turn a bike off when in gear.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
One thing that will help is going with another trans gear lube. I run RedLine Shock Proof. There are other brands that will also work. Is't just the nature of the beast & it should improve, along with your techniques.