Rubbermount_EVO hard to get to neutral

[dave]

All of a sudden, it is very difficult to get into neutral. By that, I mean that I normally can gently pull up on the shifter (from first) and hit neutral. But now, I pull harder and harder until it finally shifts through neutral into second. Similar situation from second to neutral. Some factoids:

2004 1200 Custom, 42,000 miles
Clutch is properly adjusted
Primary oil is fresh and at the proper level
Warm engine or cold engine - same problem
Engine running or stopped - same problem
Shifting up or down (into an actual gear) works just fine
Clutch cable is lubricated and operates smoothly

I haven't checked the primary chain adjustment yet, but I seriously doubt that this could be the problem. There is no chain slap or whine, and it shifts just fine.

I feel a slight forward surge when I shift from neutral to first, which makes me think that the clutch is not completely releasing. This might be normal, though . . . I don't remember.

Is it possible that something is worn in the clutch that might be causing this? Any ideas?

[Deimus]

You will find interesting information in the following two threads:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=168162

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=227842

[dave]

Originally Posted by Deimus

You will find interesting information in the following two threads:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=168162

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=227842

Thank you. Based on this info, I will take it apart and see what's going on in there...

[dave]

After doing some reading here, I discovered that I need a clutch spring compressor tool. Ugh. So I ordered one from J&P Cycles, and ordered a spring plate from Zanotti's (since there is a fair chance that is the problem).

My problem is a bit different, I think. With the bike in 1st gear and the clutch fully disengaged, the bike noticably wants to move. It's not enough to stall the bike though. Plus it is hard to get into neutral...

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

Originally Posted by dave

My problem is a bit different, I think. With the bike in 1st gear and the clutch fully disengaged, the bike noticably wants to move. It's not enough to stall the bike though. Plus it is hard to get into neutral...

Then the clutch isn't fully disengaging either because of adjustment or some other problem (as you said you believe the clutch to be properly adjusted).

[dave]

Originally Posted by Kev M

Then the clutch isn't fully disengaging either because of adjustment or some other problem (as you said you believe the clutch to be properly adjusted).

Exactly. And that is probably why it is hard to find neutral. And yes, I believe the clutch to be properly adjusted. I have done this procedure every 5,000 miles, and I understand it well. So I conclude that something is awry in the clutch itself (that will hopefully be obvious when I get it all apart).

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

Originally Posted by dave

So I conclude that something is awry in the clutch itself (that will hopefully be obvious when I get it all apart).

YUP, sounds like it...