neutral to first

[z315]

Hey guys, this problem became apparent as I was waiting for the light and I shifted up to netural to give my hand a rest. but when the light is green, i couldn't get it down to first. I had to push the bike forward before it downshifted. Ever since then, I noticed it has happened every single time. From trying to find netural when I frst start up the bike i have to push a little before the gear would change. Any reasons why?

04GSF with about 650 miles.

[ajgs500]

That is actually completely normal.  I usually leave my bike in 1st at lights just in case I need to get out of the way of something.

[Caffeine]

Yep, it's normal.   Keep it in first when you stop (which you should do anyway).    But if you do find yourself "stuck" in neutral, rolling the bike a little bit forward or backward as you shift into first will usually get the gears where you need them and it will click right in.

[roguegeek]

That is actually completely normal. I usually leave my bike in 1st at lights just in case I need to get out of the way of something.

+1 This is a normal thing for the GS. It will usually go into gear only after it's rolled a little forward or backward (backward for me). I leave mine in gear pretty much all the time.

[ASIA 1]

Motor oil too old change it

[hmmmnz]

i never have a problem getting into first, i just give it a rev and with a mighty clunk! she goes in, id say flush your engine and give an oil change,

[KYGS500E]

YEAH ROLLING WILL HELP.... ANOTHER OPTION IS TO PUMP YOUR CLUTCH A FEW TIMES... OCCASIONALLY THIS WORKS FOR ME... BUT ROLLING WILL ALWAYS DO IT

[ajgs500]

Hey I was just wondering how many times we can repeat the same answer?

[LPC2104]

This happens to me sometimes and I just put it second and go. 

[Noltz]

 It might be "normal", but I'd check to see if your clutch is fully disengaging.  I don't know if first gear is synchronized, but it sounds like you've got a dragging clutch.

I do not own a GS, but doing research before I buy one.  I used to own SVS's.  Do you have a cable clutch or hydraulic?

[scratch]

GS's have cable operated clutches.

650 miles, huh?  Have you had the first service done, yet?  Oil level would be my suspect; or rather an oil change.

Check your oil level weekly (along with chain slack, since you're breaking in that new chain), and check your clutch cable freeplay (does it feel right to/for you?).

[MarkusN]

but it sounds like you've got a dragging clutch.

Actually it's the opposite. This happens when the clutch disengages completely, leaving the gear shafts absolutely stationary/without force between them (many report that it only happens when the oil is hot). If the dogs happen to be in a position where they can't engage you can't shift into 1st.

When I have this problem feathering the clutch usually helps.

[samhkang]

It happens to me all the time. I remember asking the same question long time ago and got great answers. Yes, rolling forward or backward works but the easier way is to let go the clutch all the way and then pull back (squeeze) again as you shift in to the first gear with left foot. It works everytime for me and so much quicker/effortless than rolling the bike. Now, go try it.

[Noltz]

Actually it's the opposite. This happens when the clutch disengages completely, leaving the gear shafts absolutely stationary/without force between them (many report that it only happens when the oil is hot). If the dogs happen to be in a position where they can't engage you can't shift into 1st.

When I have this problem feathering the clutch usually helps.

  Sorry, it's been a while since I've rode.  What you described is exactly what I had to do with my old CB450 at stop lights.  Stopped in Neutral, Clutch in, won't click.  Clutch out, clutch in...POP!  Away we go...

  Thanks for clearing that up Markus.

[corndog67]

Personally, I never sit at a light or anywhere in gear.  Never.  Too many problems in the past with dragging clutches.   Mine is a little sticky dropping into gear sometimes, I just pull the clutch in a couple of times and it frees it up. 

[ajgs500]

Well I would personally rather have a dragging clutch than a cage up my ass.

[corndog67]

You just have to pay attention, bro.  I've been doing this for 35 years, never had a problem.  The only people I notice that sit there with their clutches in at lights all the time are the low mileage, short time Harley riders.  Check with people that ride a lot, have a lot of years of riding, 99% of them are  in neutral at lights, they generally drop into neutral before they stop. 

[ajgs500]

For one it is sister to you and the people I ride with, who have a combined total of over 100,000 miles in the saddle, never sit at a light in neutral.  Part of paying attention is having the bike in gear getting ready to get out of the way in the event of a problem.

[annguyen1981]

Motor oil too old change it

I actually just changed my oil last week or so, when this problem became more common on my GS.  Before that, I RARELY had any trouble.

[corndog67]

For one it is sister to you and the people I ride with, who have a combined total of over 100,000 miles in the saddle, never sit at a light in neutral.  Part of paying attention is having the bike in gear getting ready to get out of the way in the event of a problem.

I still disagree.  Most of the people that I ride with have well over 250,000 miles each (including myself).  I've talked with a few of them  about this subject, and the general consensus is If the light is going to be more than a few seconds of wait, they are in neutral.  I don't know what they teach at MSF, but this is what we do.  I know in my experience, it came from racing motorcycles, you didn't want to sit there on the line in gear until just before they threw the flag.  It seems to have carried over into my street riding, and most of the older guys I ride with used to race, so I assume that is why they do it, too.  I am not trying to be an @$$hole or anything, just passing on my experiences.  Whatever you feel comfortable doing.