Motorcycle Won't Shift Into Neutral While Running
As a motorcycle rider, there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to shift your bike into neutral when you need to. This issue can be quite common, and there are several reasons why your motorcycle may not shift into neutral while running. In this article, we will discuss the causes and solutions to this problem, so you can get back on the road with ease.
What is Neutral?
Before we dive into the causes and solutions, let's first understand what neutral is. Neutral is a gear that disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the motorcycle to roll freely. It is typically used when starting the motorcycle or when idling in traffic. The neutral gear is located between the first and second gears on most motorcycles.
Causes of Motorcycle Not Shifting Into Neutral
There are several reasons why your motorcycle may not shift into neutral while running:
1. Clutch Cable Adjustment
If the clutch cable is not adjusted properly, it can cause difficulty in shifting gears, including neutral. The clutch cable connects the clutch lever to the clutch actuator, which engages and disengages the clutch plates. If the cable is too loose or too tight, it can cause the clutch to slip or not engage properly, making it difficult to shift into neutral.
2. Clutch Plates
The clutch plates are responsible for engaging and disengaging the clutch. Over time, these plates can wear down or become damaged, causing difficulty in shifting gears, including neutral. If the plates are worn, they may not completely disengage from the engine, making it difficult to shift into neutral.
3. Transmission Issues
If there are issues with the transmission, it can cause difficulty in shifting gears, including neutral. The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, and if there are issues with the gears or bearings, it can cause difficulty in shifting into neutral.
Solutions to Motorcycle Not Shifting Into Neutral
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, there are several solutions to getting your motorcycle to shift into neutral:
1. Clutch Cable Adjustment
If the clutch cable is not adjusted properly, you will need to adjust it. Start by loosening the lock nut on the cable adjuster, and then turn the adjuster clockwise to tighten the cable, or counterclockwise to loosen the cable. Once you have adjusted the cable to the proper tension, tighten the lock nut and test the clutch to ensure it is engaging and disengaging properly.
2. Clutch Plates
If the clutch plates are worn or damaged, you will need to replace them. This is a more advanced repair and may require professional assistance. It is important to replace the clutch plates as soon as possible, as worn plates can cause damage to the transmission.
3. Transmission Issues
If there are issues with the transmission, you may need to take your motorcycle to a professional mechanic for repair. Depending on the issue, the transmission may need to be replaced or repaired.
Conclusion
Not being able to shift your motorcycle into neutral while running can be a frustrating experience. However, by identifying the cause of the problem and implementing the appropriate solution, you can get back on the road with ease. Remember to always perform regular maintenance on your motorcycle to ensure it is in good working order.
