Problems getting bike in neutral

[KiwiPhoenix]

I've got a 1984 Yamaha XJ750, just got it back on the road. I'm having problems getting him into neutral. This was a problem I had last year but never got round to checking it out.

There is no problem getting him into gear and changing the gears whilst riding but when the bike is at a stop, I have trouble going from 1st to neutral. Any ideas?

TIA

[Paul in NZ]

Lots of reasons why but start with clutch drag.

Is the cable / clutch adjusted properly?

[KiwiPhoenix]

Lots of reasons why but start with clutch drag.

Is the cable / clutch adjusted properly?

Not sure, will check it out later....

[oneofsix]

not often you see a thread about a female having issues getting a male out of gear.

Start with Paul's advice and whilst there check the cable lubrication as well.

[KiwiPhoenix]

not often you see a thread about a female having issues getting a male out of gear.

Start with Paul's advice and whilst there check the cable lubrication as well.

Some bling for you on that one!!!

Will do, thanks!!

[willytheekid]

Gidday mate

Did some seaching on the interwebby for ya and found this:
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33163

Long stroy short-
"This is a common problem with XJ's. The auxiliary drive chain has a rubber guide like a cam chain guide, except it is fixed in place. After many years or miles, it tends to break up and chunks of it goes into the motor. Usually, the owner of the afflicted bike does not know about this until his bike gets stuck in first gear. There is the long fix (tear the motor apart, retrieve pieces, install new guide) and there is a short fix. The short fix usually works, but leaves you without an auxiliary chain guide. Happily, many owners state that you can run the bike just as well without one. By the time the stretch of the auxiliary chain lets it reach the cases, it's probably due for a major engine job anyway. The short fix involves removing the left side transmission cover and breaking up and retrieving the bits of rubber inside the engine case. It has been done successfully on the side of the road by riders left stranded, so it can't be too hard to do. Drop a line over at XJ Bikes and ask around"

Gimmie a yell if your stuck mate...I owe you one for recovering the Guzzi that time (Im pritty good at swinging on the end of a spanner lol)

[KiwiPhoenix]

Gidday mate

Did some seaching on the interwebby for ya and found this:
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33163

Long stroy short-
"This is a common problem with XJ's. The auxiliary drive chain has a rubber guide like a cam chain guide, except it is fixed in place. After many years or miles, it tends to break up and chunks of it goes into the motor. Usually, the owner of the afflicted bike does not know about this until his bike gets stuck in first gear. There is the long fix (tear the motor apart, retrieve pieces, install new guide) and there is a short fix. The short fix usually works, but leaves you without an auxiliary chain guide. Happily, many owners state that you can run the bike just as well without one. By the time the stretch of the auxiliary chain lets it reach the cases, it's probably due for a major engine job anyway. The short fix involves removing the left side transmission cover and breaking up and retrieving the bits of rubber inside the engine case. It has been done successfully on the side of the road by riders left stranded, so it can't be too hard to do. Drop a line over at XJ Bikes and ask around"

Gimmie a yell if your stuck mate...I owe you one for recovering the Guzzi that time (Im pritty good at swinging on the end of a spanner lol)

Cheers for that WTK!

[FJRider]

not often you see a thread about a female having issues getting a male out of gear.

Is that like trying to neuter him ... ???

Sometimes it's just easier to do it with the engine stopped. Or a more gentle touch with the toe.

Try 2nd into neutral ...

But a few of the clutch plates may be catching or not separating when the clutch is engaged. Is the clutch cable adjustors (at both ends) near full adjustment ... ???

[KiwiPhoenix]

I'm going to give him a look over tonight, didn't have time last night. Will check the clutch cable first and see how it goes.

[Paul in NZ]

I'm going to give him a look over tonight, didn't have time last night. Will check the clutch cable first and see how it goes.

Start with the cable. 1/8" play at the lever and also look at the operating arm as the plates may be worn down enough so its not operating properly.

[KiwiPhoenix]

Start with the cable. 1/8" play at the lever and also look at the operating arm as the plates may be worn down enough so its not operating properly.

Will check the cable, I see a winter project happening

Thank you for all the advice!!

[neels]

Has it been for a decent ride and got hot since it's been sitting, and when was the oil last changed?

[KiwiPhoenix]

Has it been for a decent ride and got hot since it's been sitting, and when was the oil last changed?

Just topped up the oil. Oil change planned for after the rally, want to give him a decent ride, get the parts moving again. He is quite a happy boy except for the neutral thing. The ride this weekend will give him a good run!

[FROSTY:Me]

Hey KP--Ive owned a LOT of XJ series bikes. I can honestly say they all get hard to put into neutral especially when hot.
I found that a correctly set up clutch cable and decent quality oil to the correct level makes a big difference.
-till then just turn the bike off put it into neutral then start it back up.

[KiwiPhoenix]

Hey KP--Ive owned a LOT of XJ series bikes. I can honestly say they all get hard to put into neutral especially when hot.
I found that a correctly set up clutch cable and decent quality oil to the correct level makes a big difference.
-till then just turn the bike off put it into neutral then start it back up.

Thanks for that Frosty! Yeah I did notice at times it would be all good then others it was a pain. The thing that I did realise was that when I stopped and rolled the bike back a little it would engage easier!