Clutch question + Neutral problem

[Gibba]

Hello,

I just got a new '95 GS500E and so far so good. I was wondering if it is detrimental to the clutch to keep it engaged at stop lights? I have had trouble with my bike sometimes not switching to 1st from neutral! This is the reason I just I keep it in 1st and hold the clutch until the light turns green. I try to press down but the neutral light is lit and 1st gear doesn't engage. The opposite sometimes occurs when I leave it in 1st and it goes to neutral after I shut down the engine. Could it be a lubrication issue with the shifting lever?

Thank you,
Artem

[NiceGuysFinishLast]

This is normal. Unlike a car, it's perfectly ok to keep your clutch engaged at a light, in fact, it's highly recommended so that should you need to make a quick getaway (i.e., a car's gonna rear end you unless you move), you're in gear and ready to go.

As for the trouble going into first from neutral, all GSs have it. Just roll the bike either slightly forward or slightly backward (an inch or two at most) and it should slip into gear very easily.

Hope that helps.

And welcome to the board!

[ducati_nolan]

I don't usually have this problem, but it happens every once in a while. Make sure your clutch is adjusted properly and the cable is lubed. Keeping the clutch in at stoplights is definately a good idea, if everything is propely adjusted, there is only a tiny bit of wear, which is ofset by the safety of being able to move if someone is about to rear end you. Pushing the bike a little bit while you put pressure on the shift lever should help. Also, if it's been awhile since the oil was changed, or you have too thick of oil, that can make a difference in shifting, if it's been a while, try changing the oil.
ride safe 

[RobTheTyrant]

it happens to me too... I just leave it nuetral and let the clutch out then pull it back in and it goes right in fine.  I've actually seen this problem on my brothers bike, my old 700 Raptor and pretty much anything I've ridden with a hand clutch and foot shift.  I'm gooing to say it's nothing out of the ordinary.  until you have issues with false nuetral all the time like I do,  I wouldn't worry.