1986 Heritage which seems to be developing a problem going into neutral, especially when stopped. The clutch doesn't seem to be dragging and all the gears select nicely. Just jumps straight to second when trying to get the neutral.
Any quick things to check before tearing the gear box apart!

 

Take the top off the tranny and adjust the selector arm using the allen-headed screw and locknut just above the gear lever on the primary side of the tranny.


The selector arm needs to be centred over one of the selector pins on the selector drum.

 

Our older scoots are kinda finicky that way.
Clutch adj, shift linkage tight (no slack at connections). This would include the arm at the trans.

I have rarely been able to get neutral at a complete stop. Can hit it easy enough on a coast down or with a blip of the throttle.

It's something you have to learn what your bike likes.

WP

 

Thanks guys... there is play in the shift linkage so I'll mess with that first then get into the tranny. It wan't doing before so something is changing......

 

I think they all can be bitchy at times, just like a woman.

 

Difficulty in finding neutral may be a pain, but not a reason to open up a gearbox...

Adjust the shifter pawl as Spanners suggested, also make sure the clutch is adjusted properly (including the diaphragm spring adjustment).

Adjust primary chain.

Be sure the primary lube level only comes up to the outside diameter of the clutch, with the bike straight up.

 

Virtually every bike I work on that is hard to get in neutral...the primary chain is too tight. My bike goes into neutral no problem every time.

 

Agreed. On my 1990 Glide I take out most of the cable slack, after adjusting at the clutch as per the book. That improves my prospects, however I routinely select neutral as I roll to a stop, whenever I can.

 

I am now a firm believer that the newer oils have an effect on this. Just put atf in the primary but haven't been able to test it due to the weather.

Update:

It is shifting much smoother now and finding neutral is no where near as tricky. I did however also adjust the clutch. Try some different fluids and adjust your clutch. It might make a world of difference.