Issues with Neutral
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2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
Issues with Neutral
There is a real possibility that this is a FNG question, but I am a FNG especially when it comes to HD's. I recently purchased a 1998 Ultra Classic, and it is a real challenge to get into neutral. Is this a normal issue for this year and model, something that mine is just temperamental about, or is this indicative of a larger issue? This is not a MAJOR issue, but an annoyance just the same. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 761
Likes: 369
From: Winnipeg
This issue comes up quite often. It sounds like you need a clutch adjustment. One adjustment at the clutch basket(under the derby cover)- and then a cable adjustment at the handlebars. Do you have a service manual? If you plan on doing your own work- get one or borrow one.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 118
Likes: 10
From: Bend Or
Just my 2 cents. I felt that my 13 SG had a similar problem(coming off of BMW`s). It was frustrating as hell! Once I learned how to barely "snick" the heel shifter, it fell right in. Harder to do with the toe shift for me. Now perhaps you DO need an adjustment, but the adjustment I needed was practice. It really is a feel thing to a certain extent.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 16
From: in a van down by the river in Ga.
There is a real possibility that this is a FNG question, but I am a FNG especially when it comes to HD's. I recently purchased a 1998 Ultra Classic, and it is a real challenge to get into neutral. Is this a normal issue for this year and model, something that mine is just temperamental about, or is this indicative of a larger issue? This is not a MAJOR issue, but an annoyance just the same. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 339
From: Northeastern Indiana
once you know your clutch is adjusted correctly … with the bike in first, put a little up pressure on the toe shifter and blip the throttle, it should pop into neutral … this has worked for me with all my bikes …
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 2,117
From: W. MI.
Clutch adjustment, yes. Too much or never changed (dirty) primary oil will do that as well. You will get differing opinions on how full the primary should be. Also what to use in the primary. ( That's almost an oil thread) Bottom of the derby cover hole, bottom of the clutch basket, or just run a quart. See what the manual says. I run to just above the bottom of the clutch basket in both my Harleys. Never an issue.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 33
Likes: 8
From: SW Houston
adjustments. Good oil. (primary and trans) I also have an extended front shifter because of big feet, but the extra length helps with more leverage to ease it into neutral. Also if you find it while rolling to a stop, it's a lot easier than after you stop.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,965
Likes: 384
From: SoCal hi desert
I never tried this in my 94 Dyna WG 5 speed but on my 16 RK 6 speed when we changed to synthetic in the trans it made a huge difference in finding neutral, and in the shifting in general.