Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
can't find neutral can't find neutral
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
can't find neutral
when driving my 1991 xt600 its difficult to find neutral, especially when the bike isn't moving. i can find it if i drive at slooow speed and shift carefully.

is this normal? has always been like this...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Aug 2012
Scrabblebiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
Posts: 343
I don't know anything about Yamaha so I'm not sure if this is helpful or not. When that happens on my BMW F650GS it's because the clutch is not properly adjusted. This causes the clutch to not properly release when I pull the clutch lever in. By adjusting the tension on the clutch cable I've managed to get rid of that problem.


...Michelle
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Aug 2012
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
You're using fully-synthetic engine oil aren't you?!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 70
i use mineral oil 15w-40

API SL - JASO MA, MA2

should i use something else? the bike uses some oil, i have considered using a thicker oil...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Aug 2012
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
I have always found that neutral is found slightly easier when the drive chain is correctly adjusted, also as previously noted ,clutch adjustment.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Aug 2012
Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 365
Sometimes clutch cable adjustment or engine oil changes will make a difference - but often it won't. I hope it will in your case.

This is a problem I've found regularly on older bikes and the only reliable solution if adjustment fails to make any difference is to change the clutch plates (both the steel and friction plates) for a new set. Fortunately with the advent of Ebay and on-line stores this is no longer the major expense it used to be. Whilst I can't prove it I surmise the problem is due to slight distortion in the old plates leading to there still being significant oil drag in the clutch even when the lifter within the clutch is in the fully depressed position.

(By the way I don't believe going to a fully synthetic oil versus any good mineral motorcycle oil will make any difference - synthetics weren't around in 1991 and the clutch certainly wasn't like that from new)

Good luck
__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Aug 2012
BlackDogZulu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
I'd agree with navalarchitect above. Mine has exactly these symptoms. I get round it by selecting neutral just before stopping. Also, I get a horrible crunch if I engage first from standstill with a cold engine. It's not possible to fix it by adjusting the cable - if I make it tight enough to disengage cleanly, it starts to slip. I have come to the conclusion that it is worn and/or warped clutch plates. I have also come to the conclusion that it is something I can live with until it gets a lot worse.

The bike is coming off the road for a bit of TLC before the winter, and a new clutch will be part of the treatment, along with a million other things
__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Latin American drug cartels find home in West Africa xfiltrate Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 1 27 Sep 2023 05:46
acerbis tank, cant find one colsan1 Yamaha Tech 8 23 Sep 2012 20:34
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 17:51
'84 XT600 Tenere - No neutral Quicken Yamaha Tech 8 12 Mar 2012 10:13
Raising the V-Strom: Buy raising links in USA & Ship to Colombia or find them there? arooni South America 5 3 Mar 2012 21:10

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 20:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top