hard to get into neutral

[Anonymous]

Hello all, newbie with a hopefully not too weird Q: My GS450 (1982) is really hard to put into neutral from 1st. It's a real PITA at tollbooths. I have no problems shifting through the gears, though (up or down). Walking it forward with the clutch in doesn't help either. Any ideas?

[IanFrancisco]

Toll booths are a PITA any way you look at it. My GS450 doesn't find neutral well either. Goes right past into 2nd most if the time. Going from 2nd to neutral is easier but still hit and miss. The old Triumph rider's trick of grabbing neutral while still rolling at 10mph or so works once you get the touch in your left toes. 8) Using synthetic oil and keeping the chain properly adjusted makes a big difference. Shutting the motor off works too and gives it a few seconds to cool while you pay the toll.

[displaced]

Dont you put it into neutral just before you stop. there is always a point where the transmission is idling and finding neutral is easier. loosen your clutch a bit more also.

[JayH]

Hard to get into neutral

How many miles do you have on your bike?

I would first check the clutch adjustment like Displaced (Scotty) said in the previous message. Before coming to a stop go down through the gears. When you get to 2nd gear around <10 mph try to see if you can get it into neutral. It is easier to get it into neutral BEFROE coming to a stop.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips. At tolls I normally shift down to 1st then into neutral, but I can try the other way, I guess.

[earlfor]

Most bikes will go into neutral noticably easier from 2nd than they will from 1st. (Exception being Kawsaki :-) )

Earl

Thanks for the tips. At tolls I normally shift down to 1st then into neutral, but I can try the other way, I guess.