Not selecting neutral when stopped

Hi guys, this is my first post so please be gentle.

I have a slight problem with my 2002 SV650S (fully faired). When I'm stopped with the bike in gear I can't select neutral (or second, basically the gear lever won't move), before riding the bike I tightened the clutch cable on the lever which solved the problem but it was too tight because when I then rode it the clutch didn't fully engage so i loosened the cable and the problem started again. Also the down shifts almost feel like I'm doing them clutchless (I'm sure it's down to the same thing)

I have a fair amount of mechanical knowledge so if I get pointed in the right direction I should be able to sort it out. I was just wondering if someone knows what I need to do to sort it out. It's not a major problem but bot being able to select neutral means that it's a nightmare in heavy traffic and at traffic lights.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions, I've got a feeling it's clutch related because it selects the gears fine once I'm moving.

Thanks guys

I had the same thing. Check if your clutch drags when held in in first gear at a stand still. If your bike pulls forward I can almost guarantee it'll be the clutch adjuster/worm gear being worn. Sourced one from a bike being broken for £10 and once on it was like new . That's the first thing I'd try.

Basically because the adjuster and pin are worn, when you pull the lever the clutch won't disengage fully, meaning it won't let you get in neutral or downshift properly. Hope this helps

Yeah it does pull forwards, I forgot about that. Thanks very much! I'll have a look at that at a convenient time.

I wasn't expecting it to be something major or expensive to repair but I wanted to ask instead of stripping the clutch down without really knowing what to look for :P

[Geodude]

Search on here for sid squids clutch adgustment guide and do that first before anything else. HTH. Sorry for lack of info due to new year indulgance xGx

also check the oil level weird I know but it was the issue on one of my old bikes

[Geodude]

Heres my thread on similar thing http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=134503 and see post #16 for sids guide. HTH

+1 on DP's advice on oil level

I'll check the oil level and I'll have a look at that thread when I get back to my bike.

Thanks very much for the help guys, it's much appreciated

[Geodude]

No probs buddy and welcome to the forum, ride safe have fun

Thanks, it's nice to be here I always do haha