trouble finding neutral

[mrhammer2u]

Last couple times I've ridden I've had a problem finding neutral. Not all the time, but a few times. I get into 1st then 1 up and it goes right past into 2nd. I try to do it real slow and still,...into 2nd. I then have to drive it a bit and then try again and that seems to work.

Any idea what's going on?

[dbeardslee]

I've noticed that XS clutches act different cold than warm. On mine the clutch disengagement moves back on the lever (closer to the handlebar) when it warms up. Might try turning the adjuster 1/8 turn farther in and see if it makes a difference.

[IanDMacDonald]

If I were to guess, I'd say something is either bent, or out of alignment, as every one of my XS's are the same, and they're all super-easy to get into Neutral. Even easier than my hydraulic clutch bikes.

[mrhammer2u]

I've noticed that XS clutches act different cold than warm. On mine the clutch disengagement moves back on the lever (closer to the handlebar) when it warms up. Might try turning the adjuster 1/8 turn farther in and see if it makes a difference.

Now that you mention it, the mechanic that has my bike now said the clutch cable was only hanging on by like 2 threads. So I told him to replace it. With your logic I'm thinking the cable was stretched so it was not fully disengaging. Maybe a fresh line will cure it?

I've been needing to really man handle the other gears lately too. Fingers crossed that a bad cable is the culprit.

[dbeardslee]

A new clutch cable will make a big difference. It's amazing how much they stretch over time. Will it fix the problem? Maybe, if they properly adjust it afterwards. As they say in Italian - "Keepa you fingas crossed."

[rover]

neutral

Does your neutral indicator light work? If not, there is a switch that controls it, located on the bottom of the trans. It has one wire connected to it, and can be replaced, if you can find one. A new clutch cable properly adjusted should make shifting much easier.

[motoman]

I've noticed that XS clutches act different cold than warm. On mine the clutch disengagement moves back on the lever (closer to the handlebar) when it warms up. Might try turning the adjuster 1/8 turn farther in and see if it makes a difference.

I suggest pulling the left side inspction cover and check alignment slashes when in scond gear. Second gear IS necessary when msking the adjstment at he shifter cam

[dbeardslee]

I suggest pulling the left side inspction cover and check alignment slashes when in scond gear. Second gear IS necessary when msking the adjstment at he shifter cam

I wasn't talking about making an adjustment at the shifter cam. I was talking about the adjustment at the clutch cover. The lever I was referring to was the clutch lever on the handlebar.

[mrhammer2u]

Does your neutral indicator light work? If not, there is a switch that controls it, located on the bottom of the trans. It has one wire connected to it, and can be replaced, if you can find one. A new clutch cable properly adjusted should make shifting much easier.

Yes. When neutral misses the light blinks for a millisecond as it's passing by into 2nd. When it's in neutral the light stay on.

Thanks all for the response. Feeling hopeful.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Rob, all good advice so far. A properly working clutch makes for a smoother ride experience. I find mine gets difficult to find neutral when it's time for an oil change.
Phil

[motoman]

I wasn't talking about making an adjustment at the shifter cam. I was talking about the adjustment at the clutch cover. The lever I was referring to was the clutch lever on the handlebar.

May wanna listen to 34yrs. experience with these ole' scoots.

[Radioguylogs]

Rolling is easier

It's sometimes takes several tries for me get into neutral when I'm sitting still, but it's easy if I shift into neutral before I stop rolling.

[motoman]

May wanna listen to 34yrs. experience with these ole' scoots.

So, what is the verdict if you followed my instruction.............do the two slashes on the shift pawl and shifter rotating piece align when in second gear, of course with shifter cover off? .

[mrhammer2u]

Hey motoman. Bike is with a mechanic. The good news, it seems, is that he believes the clutch cable was the culprit for a few of my woes. It was down to 2 strands and stretched out. Said it will help with better shifting, cure my neutral problem and stop the clutch slippage at WOT in upper rpm range (problem from a previous post). I brought him the new Garrett springs but he said he didn't need them, but put them in anyway since I provided them (kind of wish he didn't because someone here said these springs can make using the clutch in traffic a pain).

I did not ask them to open anything up,..trying to keep the $/hr down. If the cable is not the cure, this will be the next step.

Thank you all for the info!! I should have her back by friday and will report.

[dbeardslee]

kind of wish he didn't because someone here said these springs can make using the clutch in traffic a pain

I've got HD clutch springs in mine, and I got caught in a traffic jam on I71 several weeks ago (cause by a guy who caused a five car wreck, and then went jogging down the highway.... naked), and traffic was moving at a speed that wouldn't allow me to let the clutch all the way out, nor come to a stop. Took me about 1/2 hour to make it to the next exit, and by then my left forearm was burning and numb all the way to the shoulder. Still like 'em better than the stock springs, though. Luckily we don't get too many naked wreck causing joggers around here. You only really notice it when you first put the springs in. After you get used to it, it's just a clutch.