false neutrals

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xrphil · #1 Post by **xrphil** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:04 pm

I seem to be finding some false neutrals at the top of the box.
The bike only done 6000miles, and the gear lever seems to be correctly adjusted, and greased, but I seem to find the odd false neutral every now and then. its a bit of a concern cos 1- i am worried about damaging something, kicking it back in. and 2- its a bit like suddenly pulling the clutch in, you don`t feel fully in control.
Anyone else have this? I have just changed the clutch adjustment at the lever, as I this may be a liittle to far away.(yet to test this theory), any other ideas?

Falco9 · #2 Post by **Falco9** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:24 pm

I get the odd false neutral especially when changing down, never going up the box though.
I reckon it's the bikes way of waking me up because it only happens when I'm in lazy mode, coming up to a junction hitting a false neutral and loosing the engine braking does have the required effect of waking me up!!!!
Like you having to stamp it back in can feel awful and there's no doubt it's not good for the box, the teeth get damaged and can break off completely in some cases.
On the positive side every bike I've ever owned has had the odd neutral so I don't think the Falco is any worse at all
As long as it's only occasionally happening I wouldn't worry too much, just concentrate on making the gear changes as positive as you can

F9

Aladinsaneuk · #3 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 9:41 pm

check the gear change linkage, and adjust it - as you use the bike it may well be that your postion on it has changed - I know mine has....

xrphil · #4 Post by **xrphil** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:51 pm

yes i have to say the current postion feels OK, but I am going to set it up so its a little bit lower and on my foot.

Exdukenut · #5 Post by **Exdukenut** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:12 am

You have to be deliberate in your action. Too lazy in either up or down will give false neutrals. Also ensure you let the gear lever get back to it's normal "slot"

, as this will allow easier selection of the next gear.

IMHO this is a great gearbox.

Fausto · #6 Post by **Fausto** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:19 pm

You have to be deliberate in your action. Too lazy in either up or down will give false neutrals. Also ensure you let the gear lever get back to it's normal "slot" , as this will allow easier selection of the next gear.

IMHO this is a great gearbox.

I agree. Perhaps if the lever is set too "comfortably" you may rest your toe on it when not needed? I only touch the lever when I need a gear change so it has plenty of time to return to it's default position.

Firestarter · #7 Post by **Firestarter** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 6:20 pm

Just given the "back-end" a good clean-up - took the wheel out, cleaned up the rear sprocket, properly cleaned & re-greased the chain, but didn't need to adjust the tension. It's made a big difference to gear-changes, much more positive and no false-neutrals (I did have one or two before this). Might be worth a try?

Fausto · #8 Post by **Fausto** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 6:29 pm

I've said this before and I will say it again

Dirty, poorly maintained and/or badly adjusted chains can cause all manner of "faults".

Not that I am suggesting that any of the above apply to xrphil's bike

Nooj · #9 Post by **Nooj** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 6:30 pm

I used to get them when going from 5th to 6th. I have small feet wich doesn't help and was used to the tiny movement required to change gear on my Fazer, the Falco needs a longer more positive shift in comparison. I still get them occasionally, especially when I start getting tired, a good indicator to concentrate harder and perhaps slow down a bit.

HowardQ · #10 Post by **HowardQ** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 9:36 pm

I would agree with Nooj, I also tend to get them occasionally between 5th and 6th. My two previous bikes were Hondas and I still have my old CBR1000F, which I use on and off in winter. The Hondas have a much shorter shift and I'm probably sometimes a bit lazy and only actually shift the lever half way on the Falco without realising, easy to do if I was on the Honda last time out. If you always make sure you complete a good firm shift and you should be OK, mind you I've never had a bike that didn't occasionally get them!
As others have said, chain tension and gear linkage adjustment will also make the problem worse.

xrphil · #11 Post by **xrphil** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:30 pm

yea mines 5th to 6th, and although I have adjusted the chain, I think it may need tightening a bit.
I have a habit of underdoing them after snapping a link on my CRM a few years ago through over tightening, it was OK to look at but tightened up on bigger bumps, till it went.
Also aware i`m not knocking it in enough when it miss`s. sure i`ll get it sorted with a bit of messing, as its obviuosly not a `common fault`.