Rectifying false neutrals
 

I don't understand enough about the inner workings of engines and gearboxes so:
After I've got a false neutral I dip the clutch and change into gear with no throttle and an almighty clunk. Would blipping the throttle first help make the process smoother or would it make it worse and possibly knacker the gearbox. The chain is correctly adjusted and I accept that false neutrals happen and they're not happening often enough to be a major concern.

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

Yep thats what i do. My pointy has always had false neutrals if you let it. Happens Rarely now though, gta change gears like a Man!

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

make sure your gear lever is at the right level, if it's a little high or low (more commonly too high) the number of false neutrals goes up.

Also if you hit a false neutral try to go up a gear to get out rather than down.

Jambo.

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

I also found if the pivot was gunged up it would make things worse.

Druid

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

Thanks everyone.

wattyfred89: Change gears like a man? Do you mean being a bit more forceful with my gear foot?

jambo: My gear lever is set as high as it will possibly go so I'll try adjusting it down a little and see how it goes.

fastdruid: Thanks, I'd not thought to have a close look at the pivot so I'll do that.

Like I said it's not really a major issue as it only seems to happen once every 100 or 200 miles or so. I'm more worried about preserving the gearbox on the occasions it does happen.

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

Another tip you could pull the clutch and brake right down untill you have stopped almost then put it in first and start again
That's what I tend to do

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

yes basically, not ruff but firm ... i tend to get them when i ride wearing my Doctor Martin's as they are less thick than motorbike boots, so when shifting up a bigger movement with the foot is needed as the lever is further away (easy to adjust) .

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

I had a LOT more false neutrals when I was running Castrol performance bike specific 10w40 oil than I have done since switching to the same grade Hein Gericke cheap-but-okay stuff.

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

Sinbad:

I use castrol oil, Semi synth 10w40. I encounter no problems.

Falsie neutrals can also stem from incorrect chain tension (I found I got a few when my chain was a little tight)

Jambo, why go up rather than down?

Re: Rectifying false neutrals
 

Less of a crunch!