Finding Neutral

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Jun 25, 2014 | 10:26 PM

#21

Strahley

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 150

Likes: 2

From: Kansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwair

and not being able to put it in neutral at a stoplight is quite annoying.

Sounds like a safety feature to me

Jun 25, 2014 | 11:35 PM

#22

Six7One

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 380

Likes: 0

From: New Mexico

Same here. Neutral is iffy. But not impossible.
I was taught to remain in 1st at a stop. Unless I am in the middle of a long line of cars and it just turned red, then, MAYBE. Even as a newbie, being in gear has gotten me out of trouble on 2 occasions. One would have been a squished me and a white F150 driver texting coming to a red-light.

Jun 26, 2014 | 04:13 AM

#23

Warp Factor

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 3,217

Likes: 90

From: Detroit

I generally stay in 1st at a light now too, along with leaving enough room to pull forward, or alongside the car in front. It was one of the things I learned when my wife took her motorcycle safety class. Might save you from becoming a motorcycle sandwich.

Jun 26, 2014 | 06:07 AM

#24

Sgt_Jim

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 3,048

Likes: 3

From: Central Jersey

So it may just be my brain playing tricks on me, but when I bought my bike new, I had a few hiccups finding neutral. Then I switched to LucasOil 85w130 gear oil in the transmission.. my shifts are smoother, and I don't have a problem finding neutral anymore. It's just a flick of the toe from 1st.. maybe that would help?

Jun 26, 2014 | 08:22 AM

#25

ftworthcowboy

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 536

Likes: 1

From: Fort Worth, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warp Factor

I do this also, about a year ago I was stopped at a light and heard squealing brakes behind me, next thing I knew I was around the corner. Instinct kicked in and I barely remember taking off and turning the corner. Come to find out the brake squealer was in the lane next to me. Better safe than sorry. One of my big fears is being rear ended at a stop, I am always in gear and watching the rear view.

Jun 26, 2014 | 08:36 AM

#26

tbonetony06

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 3,492

Likes: 19

From: Illinois

I agree, when I said I use Amsoil I don't do the 20/50 in all 3 holes. I use the 75/90 gear lube in the tranny and the 20/50 in the other 2 holes. There is a reason it's called gear lube and why I don't do the 20/50 in my tranny.

Jun 27, 2014 | 03:16 PM

#27

ADRENALINE RUSH

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 440

Likes: 15

From: South East PA

+1 on the amsoil, i use that in most my bikes!

as far as shifting to neutral, mine is a pain sometimes compared to other bikes. i can do it either way, but i find it easiest to get it in neutral by lightly taping the rear shifter with my heal

Jun 27, 2014 | 03:36 PM

#28

freebaggin

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 470

Likes: 111

From: Huntington Beach

I have 17k miles & it still dosnt want to easily drop into neutral, new clutch didnt help, different oil brands dont make any difference, all HD's ive ever riden have the same problem once the motor(s) were warmed up. Cold, never a problem. But this is all easily remedied, just a quick simple little blip of the throttle while you are clicking up and it will fall right into neutral, try it you'll see.