I keep hitting neutral when shiftin to 2nd
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
That's my problem, looking for neutral but can't find it... LOL....i gues the OP found mine.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: SW Washington
I missed 2nd a few times just before the spline on the shift linkage striped out. Just my luck it happened at a rest area somewhere between Palm Springs and Las Vegas.
Check all your shift linkage especially the pin that goes through the primary, its a known problem area.
Check all your shift linkage especially the pin that goes through the primary, its a known problem area.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
I always figured the noise level was connected to the right twist grip, not how much effort was put into shifting.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
My usual shift/throttle pattern is slam/bam/thank you ma'am. My foot isn't used to gently shifting.
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Now that everyone has told you you don't shift hard enough...
I agree with checking the clearance of the heel shifter.
There are other things to check as well.
If the splines are getting "weak" or "worn" it can cause this, it is usually the first sign something isn't right, and most fix it by shifting harder, which, IF there is a problem, can lead to stripped out shift levers.
What would I do?
Remove both shift levers, and the front lever from the shaft, and take the spline shaft out and clean it up. Clean the splines inside the front shift shaft lever, and both shift levers. If you wanted to make a small adjustment to where the shift levers ride, now is a good time by shortening or lengthening the shift shaft. I shortened mine all the way, and then backed out on both ends to where I liked my levers, to ensure I have maximum threads "caught" in the sleeve. Moving a spline up or down is quite a jump on the levers, you can fine tune here.
I put a good coat of anti seize on the spline shaft, a couple drops of LocTite on the pinch bolt, and re-assemble, adding anti seize and LocTite to the shifter shafts also.
You will be amazed at how much "slop" this easy disassemble/reassemble drill will take out of your shifter.
I agree with checking the clearance of the heel shifter.
There are other things to check as well.
If the splines are getting "weak" or "worn" it can cause this, it is usually the first sign something isn't right, and most fix it by shifting harder, which, IF there is a problem, can lead to stripped out shift levers.
What would I do?
Remove both shift levers, and the front lever from the shaft, and take the spline shaft out and clean it up. Clean the splines inside the front shift shaft lever, and both shift levers. If you wanted to make a small adjustment to where the shift levers ride, now is a good time by shortening or lengthening the shift shaft. I shortened mine all the way, and then backed out on both ends to where I liked my levers, to ensure I have maximum threads "caught" in the sleeve. Moving a spline up or down is quite a jump on the levers, you can fine tune here.
I put a good coat of anti seize on the spline shaft, a couple drops of LocTite on the pinch bolt, and re-assemble, adding anti seize and LocTite to the shifter shafts also.
You will be amazed at how much "slop" this easy disassemble/reassemble drill will take out of your shifter.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 37
From: Monroe, Louisiana
I had the same problem using my toe to shift. There is actually more movement between 1 and 2 than other gears. I had a nerve/muscle problem with lifting my toe and had to start using my heel shifter. Took few days to get use to it and get it adjusted just right. Have not hit neutral again by accident. Sometimes I ride others bikes and have learned to make sure they have a heel shifter. Nearly stomp the floorboard off if they don't. It is hard to shift without heel shifter now. Also took several months to quit accidently up shifting instead of down shifting if not paying attention. Come to a stop and be in 6th gear and watch how long it takes to get back to 1st. Old people learn slow I guess.