Missing Neutral.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
This is from the 2008 SM:
Do not overfill the primary chaincase with lubricant. Overfilling can cause rough clutch engagement, incomplete disengagement, clutch drag and/or difficulty in finding neutral at engine idle. (00199b)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
All Touring HDs have the problem and it mine didn't get better until somewhere around 4-5K miles. I found if you gently pop it in neutral just as your coming to a stop it will slip right in there slick as a whistle. the MoCo did this to solve the problem of accidentally shifting into neutral from 1st gear and revving the engine. Instead now it passes right by it and you have to be gentle with it or go right into 2nd gear.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Beach
Had the same issue with my 2011 SG, at the 1K service (which was about 1200 miles) I changed over to Red Line V-Twin Transmission Oil with ShockProof. It's the same as the automotive Red Line Heavy ShockProof gear oil. Made a world of difference.
Also changed over to Red Line V-Twin Primarycase oil, which is the same as the automotive MTL gear oil. When starting cold, the bike would lurch forward, after the Red Line in the primary, gone, no more.
Also changed over to Mobile 1 20W-50 in the engine.
After 32 years of turning wrenches on everything from my daily driver to NHRA Comp Eliminator engines, I can tell you after sifting through waaay too much dyno, and SpinTronŽ data, "Oil" really makes a difference. FWIW.
Also changed over to Red Line V-Twin Primarycase oil, which is the same as the automotive MTL gear oil. When starting cold, the bike would lurch forward, after the Red Line in the primary, gone, no more.
Also changed over to Mobile 1 20W-50 in the engine.
After 32 years of turning wrenches on everything from my daily driver to NHRA Comp Eliminator engines, I can tell you after sifting through waaay too much dyno, and SpinTronŽ data, "Oil" really makes a difference. FWIW.
My '08 Street Bob is a b*tch to find Neutral. I bought it used at 13,000 miles and 1,000 miles later it's STILL tough. THe guy who sold it to me bought it at 9,000 miles and said it was always like that for him, too. As mentioned earlier, even more difficult when stopped. I'm kinda used to that from one of my previous bikes of "another brand", but still a pain. Didn't realize things could actually help. Thanks, guys!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,914
Likes: 3,195
From: On one of 10,000
+1 RedLine
At 5000 miles on my 07, neutral was still difficult to find. I checked the clutch adjustment, replaced the stock shifter thingies with heim joints, not much difference. I then tried RedLine in the transmission. That did the trick!
I'm sure the other products mentioned here would work too. I'm staying (& recommending) RedLine Shock Proof.
I'm sure the other products mentioned here would work too. I'm staying (& recommending) RedLine Shock Proof.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Clutch ****
Okay guys, finally got around a busy work schedule to install an AIM variable presssure clutch and billet pressure plate. Smoother shifting and engagement, WAY easier to find neutral, (better designed pressure plate-no flexing), and less clutch pull. Took about an hour to complete, and gets me better performance out of my stock clutch, which I'll need once I start the engine build. (107" Fuelmoto Kit with level B headwork) The only thing I have yet to do is dump some Redline oil in the primary, (they were closed by the time I got off work), so I topped it off with AMSOIL for now. Pics to follow once I figure out how to post them. Will keep you updated as time and miles progress. Paradise Lost
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Hawaii
Finally figured it out....
Okay guys, just a couple of pictures from last nights efforts. The wife and I took the bike out for an early morning run and it performed flawlessly. I just can't say enough about how much smoother it shifts and the AIM clutch/pressure plate assembly makes neutral SO MUCH easier to find. I also think the Redline I dropped in the primary also contributed greatly to this (past) annoying issue. Once again, a great many thanks to all that contributed! Paradise Lost
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Stewartstown, Pa
Ok all so what Redline products exactly should i buy for my 1000 service on my 2012 FLHX.... So many ppl giving awesome advice i am confused ha ha
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Stage II
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ocean City, MD.
Yep, I have the same issue
I currently own a bone-stock 2012 Street Glide with 2700 miles on the clock and a somewhat annoying issue. Neutral is sometimes hard to find, regardless if the bike is cold or has been recently ridden. Been back to the dealership twice now, and the service manager swears everything is adjusted properly, and that the bike just needs further "run in." I didn't have this problem on the last new bike I purchased, (2007 Dyna), and a buddy of mine with a new Ultra said he cured this problem with a solid billet pressure plate he bought online. Anyone else out there with this issue? Again, thanks in advance for all the help!