false neutral?

[mr72]

Amazingly I am getting close to the 1,000 mile mark (my OWN mileage ) on my GS500E.

Last couple of rides I have had a false neutral every now and then. Today it was between 4th and 5th. Seems to be 3-4 or 4-5 most of the time.

Is this cause for alarm? Indicative of something not right? Or just lazy/quick/inadequate shifting?

Thanks!

[J_Walker]

the GS really likes to be man-handled on the shifting lever... wearing solid toed boots, or dedicated riding boots with the shifter location reinforced makes all the difference.

[qcbaker]

As far as I know, false neutrals can happen if you shift lazily even on a gearbox with no problems, so I don't think they are indicative of a problem in and of themselves. If you ensure the clutch is fully engaged and shift firmly and quickly each time and are still getting false neutrals, then maybe there is some problem with your gearbox? I wouldn't really know where to start in troubleshooting beyond that though. Sorry I can't be of more help mate.

[Suzuki Stevo]

Maybe you need to remove the bolt on the shifter and rotate the shifter down a spline for more positive up shifts? 

[prmas]

I used to get a lot of false neutrals and would even miss second gear (stay in neutral) because I was too gentle on the shift lever.
You should not stomp on the lever but you do need to be firm with it.
I have found that the best way to get clean, quiet and quick shifts is to "preload" the lever lightly before you pull in the clutch.
This takes the free-play out of the shift drum and forks and results in shorter and more positive feel to the action.
It has worked for me every time for the past 2 or 3 years.
I have only had one false neutral in that time when I got lazy.

Macka