Neutral

[Alkydale]

My '04 machine really struggles to go into neutral from 1st gear, maybe once in 10 attempts, usualy I have to knock it into 2nd then 'tap' it lightly down into neutral. Is this common or is there a problem/cure? Sure you veterans will have a answer

[FlyingKiwi]

Mines the same. especially when cold. I think it's normal

[Firestarter]

From 2nd to neutral is my usual method as well. Chain tension seems to make a difference, I find neutral from first more often when the tension is right (still probably less than 50% of the time though )

[minime]

My '04 machine really struggles to go into neutral from 1st gear, maybe once in 10 attempts, usualy I have to knock it into 2nd then 'tap' it lightly down into neutral. Is this common or is there a problem/cure? Sure you veterans will have a answer

Only when engine is cold.

[hornetrider]

*scratches chin wistfully*

They all do that sir.

Mine's the same but it doesn't take 10 times, I reckon you need to work on your technique! She's also more, ah, temperamental when she's cold.

[HowardQ]

I've only had mine for around four years, so not had chance to find it yet!

Seriously it is a bit of a problem but check adjustments on clutch and gear lever are OK, that may help. I just get into the habit of selecting neutral from second which is much easier. Sometimes also do it as rolling to a standstill rather than when actually stopped, which also helps.
Just learnt to live with it and accepted neutral from 1st will always be difficult. Had dealers adjust numerous times, but never changed it that much, other than making it easier from 2nd.
Some people don't seem to have the problem, some others do and like me, it doesn't go away.
Just get used to selecting via 2nd and live with it!

[Falcopops]

I did find it difficult when the bike was new, but after a while everything eased off and it's fine. The odd time it reappears, but it pops into 2nd and a simple tap back to neutral.

[Nooj]

Mine's a right pain in the arse, very difficult when hot, practically impossible when cold. Isn't there a mod to change the oil injector that squirts the clutch? It screws in behind something, but I can't remember what.

[Alkydale]

Thanks guys, as suspected it's a 'feature', no big deal just wanted to know if it was just mine.

Thank you!

[minime]

Mine's a right pain in the arse, very difficult when hot, practically impossible when cold. Isn't there a mod to change the oil injector that squirts the clutch? It screws in behind something, but I can't remember what.

Correct, check the AF1 forum. What you can do apply. is replace the oil jet for a bigger one. Not expensive but the jet seems to be a bitch to unscrew.

Check if you gearshit linkages are clean and lubed and check if clutch is properly bled. This, together with the correct oil should make ik ok(ish) to select neutral from 1st. Best way however is to select neatral from 2nd which also is the logical way to do it. (why bypass neutral going from 2nd to 1st and back to neutral?).

[Nooj]

Everything's clean and correctly adjusted, it's done it since day one and hasn't got any worse, but it hasn't got any better either. Maybe it's still not run in properly, it's not done 20,000 miles yet

[joecrx]

mine was the same i fitted a mpl slave , and it helped, iv just done 14000 miles now and its ok now , dont know why , apart when the bike feel over and i straghtend the peg with a hammer seemed to help

[Samray]

Sounds like a plan Joe.


How big a hammer would you recommend?

[HisNibbs]

I usually have to go to second then down to neutral. unless of course it is first thing in the morning when it finds nutral all by it's self.... just when I pick my feet up , lean it over and let out the clutch.
Kind of a wakey wakey, can yours do that?

[Nooj]

Wierd, for the first time yesterday, without even thinking about it, a lift of the toe and it just went 1st ...... Neutral with no hassles or repeated clonking up and down the box!

Perhaps it's because it's now done 21,000 miles, maybe 20k is the magic number?? Bizzare.