finding neutral when hot
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,027
From: Carlsbad, CA
No matter what I did, it was a PITA to find it on my ‘12 TriGlide. Made it especially pita since you have to get it in neutral to put bit in reverse.
On my ‘17 Ultra Limited, It slips into neutral with ease, 9 out of 10 times.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 494
From: WI
Works every time ,,,,,,,,,,,,, I agree with BuzzCap7,,,,,,, That just comes from trying different ways to accomplish the neutral outcome... It is said if you try the same way of doing things over and over and expect a different outcome,,,,,,,,it is the definition of insanity.......... Don't go insane, try a different method.........
Last edited by Harley1004; Sep 16, 2020 at 07:33 PM. Reason: words left out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,112
Likes: 9,503
From: central NC
I’ve ridden since 1968, but there was a 31 year gap between 1989 and last month when I bought a 2020 Street Glide. Neutral tends to be a PITA to find.
My last one ('85 Low Glide) didn’t sound like a three-pound blacksmith hammer hitting an anvil when dropping into first either.
My last one ('85 Low Glide) didn’t sound like a three-pound blacksmith hammer hitting an anvil when dropping into first either.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 704
Likes: 332
From: Indiana
The way buzzcap described is what I have found to work on my 20 street glide, now at 5k miles it's pretty easy. My wife's 20 road king on the other hand, with 900 miles is a bitch to hit neutral. I miss my heel shifter!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 494
From: WI
There is a trick I learned many years ago my friend. And now it is such a habit, I really do not even think about it.
When your foot is on the floorboard, slide the foot forward as far as it will go so the shifter lever is now higher on the top of your left foot than normal.
This way, all you need to do is to lift your toes up just a little bit. There is a fulcrum or lever action here that allows for a small movement from first gear into neutral if you know what I mean.
When you try to use your toes, it is easy to flip the shifter up into second gear totally missing neutral.
But when you slide your foot forward as far as it will go and then raise your toes, you will pop it right into neutral easily.
You know what I mean?
When your foot is on the floorboard, slide the foot forward as far as it will go so the shifter lever is now higher on the top of your left foot than normal.
This way, all you need to do is to lift your toes up just a little bit. There is a fulcrum or lever action here that allows for a small movement from first gear into neutral if you know what I mean.
When you try to use your toes, it is easy to flip the shifter up into second gear totally missing neutral.
But when you slide your foot forward as far as it will go and then raise your toes, you will pop it right into neutral easily.
You know what I mean?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
My 04 is the hardest find neutral bike Ive ever owned or ridden. My best shot is with it rolling, find neutral before I come to a stop. Otherwise, Im all but assured of having to hold the clutch.
I dont think Harley helps us any with the strong detents for the gears, and the very weak detents for neutral. Even with the engine turned off, and shifting by hand, the force necessary to pull from 1st or 2nd makes it darn easy to go right past neutral.
I dont think Harley helps us any with the strong detents for the gears, and the very weak detents for neutral. Even with the engine turned off, and shifting by hand, the force necessary to pull from 1st or 2nd makes it darn easy to go right past neutral.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,607
Likes: 3,311
From: Virginia
There is a trick I learned many years ago my friend. And now it is such a habit, I really do not even think about it.
When your foot is on the floorboard, slide the foot forward as far as it will go so the shifter lever is now higher on the top of your left foot than normal.
This way, all you need to do is to lift your toes up just a little bit. There is a fulcrum or lever action here that allows for a small movement from first gear into neutral if you know what I mean.
When you try to use your toes, it is easy to flip the shifter up into second gear totally missing neutral.
But when you slide your foot forward as far as it will go and then raise your toes, you will pop it right into neutral easily.
You know what I mean?
When your foot is on the floorboard, slide the foot forward as far as it will go so the shifter lever is now higher on the top of your left foot than normal.
This way, all you need to do is to lift your toes up just a little bit. There is a fulcrum or lever action here that allows for a small movement from first gear into neutral if you know what I mean.
When you try to use your toes, it is easy to flip the shifter up into second gear totally missing neutral.
But when you slide your foot forward as far as it will go and then raise your toes, you will pop it right into neutral easily.
You know what I mean?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,031
Likes: 1,801
From: Kalifornia
Mine was like trying to find the hard spot in a banana. Just a few days ago, I switched to Redline for the trans. Definite improvement. While not perfect, if I take my time, there is a pronounced detent now. Not sure why, but I will take it.