Resend my activation email : Register : Log in 
BCF: Bike Chat Forums


can't find neutral!

Reply to topic
Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
View previous topic : View next topic  
Author Message

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:57 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: can't find neutral! Reply with quote

Hiya,
I am new here and a very new riider! I have been out on my bike twice now (it's a 125 Kymco Hipster) and I can't seem to find neutral when I pull up to stop. I find it easily when the ignition is on but the engine is not running. I have to use the the cut-out switch to turn off the engine as the key is by my left knee and I can't let go of the clutch to reach it. I then have to switch the ignition back on, select neutral and then switch it back off!! I sit for ages trying to find it but the gears are extremely stiff when the bike is not in motion. Is it me?? Any ideas?
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts
N cee thirty This post is not being displayed because the poster is banned. Unhide this post / all posts.

Carvel
World Chat Champion



Joined: 01 Jun 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:03 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

rob yarrr wrote:
maybe a oil change could help a little bit

This.

I couldnt find neutral on my rxs, changed the oil and it was fine.
____________________
2002 Aprilia RSV1000R, Cbr600Fs, Mk1 B12, Vfr400 NC30...

Matt B: I can deal with crushed nuts to beat Ollie.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Carl_steveo
World Chat Champion



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:06 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Try the above or try blipping the throttle as you try to get into neutral. Little tip I got from Hadies on here and it works every time for me.
____________________
Current: Honda Nsr 125
Live: Sunderland
Luke "cant be arsed to read your post, but suck my balls anyway."
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:07 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

I don't know! It has a new MOT- does that get picked up on an MOT? I am just reading up on how to maintain the bike too so I will check. I have only had the bike a couple of weeks and I bought it the day after it went through it's MOT and it had recently been serviced. ps Thanks for response!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:10 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Try the above or try blipping the throttle as you try to get into neutral. Little tip I got from Hadies on here and it works every time for me.


'Blipping' the throttle? What do you mean please?!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

delvey91
Crazy Courier



Joined: 05 Aug 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:11 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

On a few of the bikes ive had it was easier to knock it into neutral just before coming to a stop. Or try rocking the bike back and forwards slightly whist stopped and it should slip into neutral Smile
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Skudd
Super Spammer



Joined: 01 Oct 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:16 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just blip the throttle a little bit, also it may be because you are too heavy footed. Practice helps too.
____________________
Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Martay
World Chat Champion



Joined: 20 May 2009
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:16 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

My chinese 125 was a slag to get N when idling standing still. As said, knock it into neutral just before you stop, or try the rocking method. When you get used to it, all will be fine.
____________________
Eat well, poo hard Very Happy
Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express Very Happy
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

johnsmith222
World Chat Champion



Joined: 26 Dec 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:16 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you mean putting it in neutral at traffic lights etc, then don't. There's no reason why you should and it avoids the hendon shuffle.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:23 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks- I will try said advice. I didn't mean at traffic light- just when arriving at destination but on studying the Practical Test it says that you should knock it into neutral if stopping for a longer time such as at 4 way traffic lights.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Carl_steveo
World Chat Champion



Joined: 23 Jun 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:28 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

By blipping I mean give it a few revs, I don't mean like a hand full just a few revs. Obviously with the clutch in.
____________________
Current: Honda Nsr 125
Live: Sunderland
Luke "cant be arsed to read your post, but suck my balls anyway."
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

woodsyshouse0...
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:47 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

try this, when you are at a standstill and very sure your in first gear, apply your front brake put your left foot up and press the gearlever and hold it down, slowly release the clutch lever till you feel the biting point, snap the clutch back in then lift the gearlever with your foot and hold again ,then slowly release the clutch lever to the biting point, then snap the clutch back in and gently tap the lever down into neutral......good luck
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website You must be logged in to rate posts

yen_powell
World Chat Champion



Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:47 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds like a badly adjusted clutch cable. In neutral how much movement/free play is there at the ball end of your clutch lever before the cable starts to pull.
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

jimspeed
World Chat Champion



Joined: 05 Mar 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:49 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

try adjusting the clutch cable a bit tighter as maybe its dragging a tiny bit and keeping load on the gears, my kwak was like that when i got it and the clutch also bit really early like as soon as you started to let it out away from the bars it would try to drive off.
oh and welcome to bcf Thumbs Up
____________________
Hyosung cruise 125(passed test on, sold) Kawasaki el 252 (better than expected but sold on) Kawasaki GPZ500S first "big"bike.(sold) ZZR600 E5..Z750 2007,ER5, currently on a 2008 Enfield bullet electra x and loving it..
,"Alpha-9: Is there any correlation between dyno rod and dyno kits?"
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:07 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jees! This riding lark is a lot harder than I thought!! I think I need to take time out to learn how to maintain the bike and how to adjust things for myself. Feel abit on my own as I don't know any other lady bikers! Forgive me if I need things explaining to me but I want/need to learn all this to fullfill my dream!
I don't know how much play in the clutch lever but I will go play with the bike after work tomorrow. Keep with me please guys and gals!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Skudd
Super Spammer



Joined: 01 Oct 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:27 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jivehunny wrote:
Jees! This riding lark is a lot harder than I thought!! I think I need to take time out to learn how to maintain the bike and how to adjust things for myself. Feel abit on my own as I don't know any other lady bikers! Forgive me if I need things explaining to me but I want/need to learn all this to fullfill my dream!
I don't know how much play in the clutch lever but I will go play with the bike after work tomorrow. Keep with me please guys and gals!


Just how I felt when I started 27 years ago. I didn't have the t'internet at hand back then so learnt by some very bad bodges.
Just remember that no question is stupid ......... provided you have used some common sense first. Oh............ and you never stop learning. Thumbs Up
____________________
Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

c_dug
Super Spammer



Joined: 04 Sep 2007
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:31 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

For me if Neutral is being an arse I find it easiest to hold the brakes on and feed the clutch out a little bit, just until you feel the front of the bike dip a little, then bring the clutch back in and try for Neutral again.

This method has always worked for me.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:43 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

I must have felt like this when I learnt to drive 13 years ago! I tried feeding the clutch and still couldn't get it in! It will be trial and error using all these suggestions 'til I find one that works. I will let you know how I get on so thanking you all!

ps Passed my Theory on Thursday! Razz
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

swampy
World Chat Champion



Joined: 04 Aug 2004
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:45 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looking at your profile you're not too far from me... if you need a hand with things like adjusting the chain etc give me a yell if you wanna, might be able to help you out with bits and bobs like how to check oil etc Thumbs Up
____________________
"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Hunter S Thompson
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." Hunter S Thompson
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

yen_powell
World Chat Champion



Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:52 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jivehunny wrote:
Jees! This riding lark is a lot harder than I thought!! I think I need to take time out to learn how to maintain the bike and how to adjust things for myself. Feel abit on my own as I don't know any other lady bikers! Forgive me if I need things explaining to me but I want/need to learn all this to fullfill my dream!
I don't know how much play in the clutch lever but I will go play with the bike after work tomorrow. Keep with me please guys and gals!
If you look at your clutch lever you will see where it hinges on the handlebar the cable goes through a grooved tube with a larger round disc on one end. Those are one of the cable adjusters. The large disc is loosened so you can turn the tube either in or out of the clamp, which adjusts the cable length. https://faq.f650.com/FAQs/Photos/ClutchPhotos/ClutchLeverAdjust.jpg
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:59 - 03 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
If you look at your clutch lever you will see where it hinges on the handlebar the cable goes through a grooved tube with a larger round disc on one end. Those are one of the cable adjusters. The large disc is loosened so you can turn the tube either in or out of the clamp, which adjusts the cable length.


Oh- like on bicycle brake cables? The same sort of principle?

@ Swampy- thanks, might hold you to that!
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

yen_powell
World Chat Champion



Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 06:10 - 04 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jivehunny wrote:
Quote:
If you look at your clutch lever you will see where it hinges on the handlebar the cable goes through a grooved tube with a larger round disc on one end. Those are one of the cable adjusters. The large disc is loosened so you can turn the tube either in or out of the clamp, which adjusts the cable length.


Oh- like on bicycle brake cables? The same sort of principle?

@ Swampy- thanks, might hold you to that!
Possibly, I don't do vehicles that give me wobbly legs and a wheeze. Shocked

If you're clutch lever has too much play in it then finding neutral at a standstill with the engine running becomes difficult. Also it can make putting it into first gear problematic. Ideally you want about 5-10mm 'sloppage' at the lever end.

Adjusting it properly also moves the bite point more towards the end of the lever movement, giving you more control when pulling away or wobbling about between a line of cones.

I've noticed on a lot of smaller bikes that the cable stretches from heat expansion when riding round town, so I adjust when the bike is at a decent running temperature.
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Jivehunny
Renault 5 Driver



Joined: 03 Oct 2010
Karma :

PostPosted: 06:56 - 04 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Possibly, I don't do vehicles that give me wobbly legs and a wheeze.

Me neither and I don't do spandex or lycra either! Laughing
My son has a BMX and I have had to maintain.

Great info thank you- more incentive to get out there and 'tinker'. shame I have to go to work.......
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

yen_powell
World Chat Champion



Joined: 22 Jun 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 07:25 - 04 Oct 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jivehunny wrote:
Quote:
Possibly, I don't do vehicles that give me wobbly legs and a wheeze.

Me neither and I don't do spandex or lycra either! Laughing
My son has a BMX and I have had to maintain.

Great info thank you- more incentive to get out there and 'tinker'. shame I have to go to work.......
I've nearly lost my lunch a few times with some spandex lunchboxes wobbling about in cycle lanes on the A13. It's like a road accident, you know it's better not to stare but you can't help it.
____________________
Blackmail is a nasty word........but not as nasty as phlegm!
XT1200Z and a DR350 in bits
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts
Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 15 years, 125 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
  Display posts from previous:   
This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat All times are GMT
Goto page 1, 2, 3  Next
Page 1 of 3

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum

Read the Terms of Use! - Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
 

Debug Mode: ON - Server: birks (www) - Page Generation Time: 0.13 Sec - Server Load: 0.59 - MySQL Queries: 13 - Page Size: 129.73 Kb