Elusive neuttral

MikeG · Jul 4, 2016

lately my Commandos transmission has decided to play hide and seek with neutral. Bike shifts fine, clutch stack is good and no slip or drag. If I hit neutral before a complete stop I'm OK, but from a dead stop you can row back and fourth between 1st and 2nd and not hit neutral. Sometimes I hit it, shut the bike off, and when I go to start it again it's in gear. Layshaft bearing was replaced 3 years ago and everything else looked good when that was done. maybe 3000 miles since then.
suggestions??

grandpaul · Jul 4, 2016

Check primary chain tension.

Danno · Jul 4, 2016

If your idle is a bit high or the clutch plates could use a good cleaning neutral can be a little elusive.

michael levato · Jul 4, 2016

A slight clutch cable adjustment always takes care of this issue for me.

Stephen Hill · Jul 4, 2016

Usually a sign of a dragging clutch.

Stephen Hill

DogT · Jul 4, 2016

Another one for primary tension.

MS850 · Jul 4, 2016

DogT said:
Another one for primary tension.

I guess your saying the chain would be too loose, Im not sure how this would cause this problem, I'm not doubting just curious.

Mr.Sparks · Jul 4, 2016

+1 for clutch, I had the exact same issue, pulled the plates out and cleaned them, problem solved. Also running slightly lower primary oil level, seems to be working ok.

Chris T · Jul 5, 2016

I had that issue; in my case the clutch plates needed replacement- no clutch slip- new plates - neutral easy.

DogT · Jul 5, 2016

Some clutch problems are caused by too tight primary, not loose. If the trans is not fastened tight in the cradle, the drive chain can snatch the primary tighter. Certainly wouldn't hurt to go through the primary/drive adjustment, make sure to do it right, it's in the riders manual. I'd rather have my primary a bit loose than tight.

MikeG · Jul 5, 2016

Thanks All-clutch action seems fine but I'll check adjustment at the pressure plate again. Primary chain is probably a little loose, I tend to run it that way anyway, but perhaps it's stretched a bit more.

MS850 · Jul 5, 2016

DogT said:
Some clutch problems are caused by too tight primary, not loose. If the trans is not fastened tight in the cradle, the drive chain can snatch the primary tighter. Certainly wouldn't hurt to go through the primary/drive adjustment, make sure to do it right, it's in the riders manual. I'd rather have my primary a bit loose than tight.

Ah Ha, thanks for info. I have a MK3 and its self adjusting so did think about trans mount. I was thinking how it could loosen not tighten over time.

DogT · Jul 5, 2016

A too tight primary can ruin the mainshaft too. Turn it into a corkscrew. Ask hobot if you remember him.

Milo of Vt. · Aug 9, 2016

My two cents...primary too tight. I had the identical problem after a rebuild. Fortunately someone on the Forum advised me to check tightness. When I backed it off, the problem was gone. Lucky for me before damaged the gearbox.

Elusive neuttral

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