2 newb questions
2 newb questions
I have two questions for you guys. My bike is a 09 RK, right now it has about 250 miles on it. My first question is about getting it into neutral. It is very hard to do. If I do it with the toe shifter, it always bypasses N and goes to 2nd. It just takes so much force that it moves right through N. If I do it with the heel shifter, I basically have to lightly tap on the shifter until it goes. Is this because it is so new?
My second question is about parking on slight declines. Up until now when I have noticed this, I have been able to move the bike to avoid incident, but I am sure there will be a time when I can't help it. If I park on a decline, when I rest the bike on the stand, it wants to shift forward and it seems like the stand is going to come back up. Is this from not having the handlebars full lock to the left?
My second question is about parking on slight declines. Up until now when I have noticed this, I have been able to move the bike to avoid incident, but I am sure there will be a time when I can't help it. If I park on a decline, when I rest the bike on the stand, it wants to shift forward and it seems like the stand is going to come back up. Is this from not having the handlebars full lock to the left?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 793
Likes: 4
From: Beverly Hills, Fl. Swimmin pools. Movie stars
Your tranny will loosen up with a few miles on it and neutral will be no prob. At the risk of "opening a can of worms" here, I'll suggest when you replace the gear oil, use a 'gear oil', Redline, Mobil 1 etc. as mine shifts a bit smoother since I put the Redline in. If you're on a decline, put it in gear.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
Have your dealer adjust the clutch. It should go into neutral easily. If you have the kickstand down correctly it won't fold up since it locks in place. They do however have some slack & tend to roll forward a little. Take a close look under the bike & see how the kickstand works. You'll understand better.
thanks.....I was thinking my clutch may need some adjustment. Unless the lever is all the way in, it is in friction zone. I can just barely move the lever out and it starts to give power to the tire......
Last edited by brettnbama; Oct 20, 2008 at 05:55 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
Adjust the clutch wehn it's time for the 1000 mi service. It will get easier to put in Neutral. The kickstand will hold, keep your foot on it until locked and then you will be sure. Sometimes doing the cool move and just kicking it out will not seat it.
No worries those are all normal issues. I have 18k miles on my 07' RKCustom and I still have trouble finding neutral sometimes. The kickstand scares me to this day, its normal though and I agree just look at the mechanism and you will understand. If your worried about the bike rolling away just leave it in gear, thats what I do. Enjoy your bike man
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,929
Likes: 1
From: Grayland, WA.
Same problem with my neutral until it got broke in and after the 1000 mile service. Now it's no problem. I always leave my bike in gear when I park.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 4
From: Ponchatoula Louisiana
. Got a few thousand miles and finding neutral no problem now.