Why all the apparent problems finding neutral?

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Jan 31, 2019 | 12:46 PM

#21

todd-67

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,899

Likes: 3,412

From: OH

I agree with most. It's an overblown issue. It can take a couple of tries every so often to find it but I almost never have missed a shift with the Harley transmissions unlike the Italian and Japanese bikes I have owned. They shifted with less effort but they would also put you into a false neutral every so often. The Harley transmissions do vary quite a bit from bike to bike though. My ex's SG would clank so loud I could hear her shift behind me.

Jan 31, 2019 | 01:05 PM

#22

Crabchuck

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 1,183

Likes: 719

From: Indianapolis

Quote:

Originally Posted by albngore

I have used Red-Line primary oil for years, but I doubt this actually makes any difference; I am almost certain it makes no difference even though, of course, there is much discussion here on oils--and I do NOT want to induce any rants about oils here. Any observations other than those about your favorite primary oils are welcome.

My personal experience is contradictory to your assertion. I bought my 2018 in April. As I approached the 1000mi service, I did a lot of oil research. I decided to use Redline in the transmission and primary. During those first 1000mi, it was difficult to get it into neutral. The fine motor skills of the foot just aren't that fine. When I would push the shifter hard enough to move, once it started, I had enough pressure it would go all the way past neutral. It was a brutal balancing act. After I did the first service using Redline, that immediately went away. It takes very little pressure to move the shifter and neutral is just a smooth press of the lever.

Jan 31, 2019 | 01:35 PM

#23

SBRob

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 7,651

Likes: 4,891

From: Missouri City,TX

I've never had an issue finding neutral on any bike I've owned...

Jan 31, 2019 | 02:49 PM

#24

Scarydog

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 337

Likes: 214

From: California

Neutral is easiest to find during hard acceleration while showing off and shifting to second gear...
Proper break in, oil level and adjustments have always help me the most.

Jan 31, 2019 | 03:03 PM

#25

hbsoldier3

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 4,452

Likes: 798

From: Bear Flag, lower end

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarydog

Neutral is easiest to find during hard acceleration while showing off and shifting to second gear...
Proper break in, oil level and adjustments have always help me the most.

Been there done that!

Jan 31, 2019 | 10:49 PM

#26

wgeeman

Club Member

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 65

Likes: 26

From: Lawrence, KS

Finding neutral on this bike is a pain, at least to me. I'll give the Redline a try this summer and see what happens. It has gotten better, but it ain't no positive thing!

Feb 1, 2019 | 06:27 AM

#27

pjb

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 3,008

Likes: 464

If you have a hard time getting into neutral, adjust your clutch (the proper way) and be done with it.
Write a couple of more pages of posts but the best answer is ADJUST YOUR CLUTCH. For most of you that means have someone competent adjust your clutch.

Feb 1, 2019 | 06:30 AM

#28

hbsoldier3

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 4,452

Likes: 798

From: Bear Flag, lower end

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjb

In addition, check the adjustment on your shifter pawl.

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Feb 1, 2019 | 08:24 AM

#29

dcfatboy

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 373

Likes: 26

From: Virginia

Normally, if I miss neutral coming from first gear, hitting it from second gear is easy. (I do not use the heel shifter. I removed it from my other Ultra so that I could use the whole floorboard on long rides. I'm keeping it on this bike for now.)