Shifting into 1st

[ducpilot]

If all else fails-you may need new clutch plates. I have had the same type of problems with both a Ducati 916 and GS850 and both times the clutch had to be overhauled and then the shifting and finding neautral was as smooth as butter.
Cheers,
Mike:-|

[Clone]

Stomping on the shifter only has the effect of bending the shift fork. Press on the shifter and ease the clutch out a little if it won't engage it will clunk in. Like said check your clutch play. If you have fat foam grips on the bike you may not be able to pull the handle in far enough. Or you could develop the habit of going up to 2nd and then down to first. This is how I find neutral most often, but it works if 1st is finicky

[darkwolf]

Thanks guys, I'll give that a shot. My clutch lever has been gettin a little sloppy, guess I should have put two and two together. Damn I need to pick up a repair book...

I wouldn't hesitate to get one of those. I got mine a week after I bought the bike, and I swear the thing has already paid for itself.