Does anyone else have trouble getting neutral on their Freewheeler? The "sweet spot" is almost impossible to hit on mine.
Does anyone else have trouble getting neutral on their Freewheeler? The "sweet spot" is almost impossible to hit on mine.
It's a common issue for many on all of them. Changing your transmission lube to a better brand like Redline or BelRay will help. Also time helps. The more use, the easier.
BKMNI
100,000+ miles of three wheel fun and counting!
2015 Harley FLRT
2018 Can-Am F3 Limited
Not an uncommon problem with HD transmissions. As was said, after time it may get better. I have had a couple of bikes where I never had a problem and others that were a problem as long as I owned them.
I use my toe to lift the front of the shifter to find N but others prefer to shift down to 1st with the front of the shifter, then tap the rear of the shifter with their heel to hit N
A few ideas that were told to me long ago:
- If you can't seem to hit N, try to let the clutch out just a bit and then in; then step the tranny down to 1st and then up to N. Sometimes when you are trying to go up to N you are really in 2nd, not 1st.
- While holding in the clutch shift up through the gears, then down to 1st. You will then be able to hit N.
- Make sure that you are not putting a rearward lean to the bike, that force may be holding it in gear. Roll forward a bit then try to shift into N.
- If you want to leave it parked in N, shut down while holding the clutch in and then when the engine is off let the clutch out and shift down to 1st and then into N.
I never used different fluids but heard others say that it helped.
Don't worry about it, it happens to all of us, particularly when pulling up with a crowd around and looking like you don't know how to shift.
'16 Freewheeler "Blackie" Vivid Black, 103; FP3; Cobra 900s; K&N; Windshield; Dual-bulb Halogens; CD LED turn signals; Mustang Wide Vintage***'09 Softail Custom "Baron Von" Sunglow; 96; FP3; Python Staggered Duals; High-Flo air intake***'08 Heritage Softail Custom "Ferdinand"; Sunglow; 96; HD Tuner; SE Mufflers; cams; K&N
Switching to Bel-Ray 85W-140 hypoid gear oil in the tranny made a huge difference for me. I also do the "heel tap from first gear" technique.
Bob
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try the heel "tap" first. Hope it works.
Too bad the darn clutch has no adjustment it would make it easier
Nuff Said," Were Burnin Daylight, Lets Ride"(Sober 37 years)
Current ride : 2021 FREEWHEELER M8, oldest ride 1960 FL
I use the Harley primary fluid. At first I used to fill the primary the old way. up to the bottom of the clutch plate. I had trouble finding neutral. THEN read the owners manual and the service manual. I put in exactly 28 ounces as the manual said no more problems.
Correction: meant to say 38 ounces
And here I thought after 30 years of riding Harleys. It was just me. Thanks for the advice to you all.
Bill
2016 Triglide/ upgrades to follow soon
I am sorry. I said in my post that I used 28 ounces in the primary as per manual. I meant 38 ounces (my mistake in typing while laying down)
2015 Freewheeler 38 oz Formula Plus in primary. Spectro 6 speed tranny specific 75/140 synthetic in tranny recommended by Baker performance transmission (pricy about $20.00 per quart but really good stuff). My Freewheeler trike shifts smooth with minimal HD clunk and it's so easy to find neutral. Same results on my 2016 Dyna Street Bob with the same products used.
Ride Safe,
Bill G
Through Jesus Christ, I a sinner am saved. Not by my doing but through his doing by his sacrifice and Blood Shed on the Cross. His gift to all mankind that will only believe and accept him by Faith. Through his Death and Resurrection I am Saved by Grace and someday I will be with our Lord in Heaven forever.