Neutral? What Neutral?

[New2meCB]

I have a '71 CB 350 that I'll be working on soon (amassing parts right now) but I'm out riding it every day and every opportunity I get. The bike is running perfectly except for the fact that neutral absolutely disappears once the bike is hot and running.

What I mean is, if the bike is off (hot OR cold) it'll pop right in to neutral. If the bike is cold and running, the bike will pop right in to neutral. If the bike is hot and running (like after I've been on it for 10 or 15 minutes or more) neutral is absolutely impossible to get.

No matter how gentle you are, either trying to get in from first or pushing down from second, it just passes straight through neutral. I've tried rocking the bike back and forth, letting the clutch out a bit, rolling the bike, but there is no use. It refuses to drop in. I can live with it I suppose (I've read on other sites that people do ???) but it would be nice to have Neutral at longer lights and sh!t.

The clutch doesn't seem to be dragging or anything, I've made a few clutch (and cable) adjustments thinking it might be that but I can't really tell if it helped or not (I'm may do more adjusting). I thought maybe the oil I'm using (10w40) might have something to do with it - I doubt that though but I was really wondering/hoping someone around here has had similar experience and has found the fix.

Part of me is thinking "faulk it." You know, it's running alright so don't mess with it until the project but...........not sure.

Anyone have any ideas?

P.S. I shift fully into every gear (up or down) and don't double shift it as someone had suggested/recommended on these old Hondas.

Thanks.

 

[lurkmaster2000]

I use 20w50.

Maybe your gears are worn

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

It really does sound like your clutch is dragging a little. (Doesn't have to drag much.) Experiment with giving the throttle a little blip just before trying to put it in neutral.

 

[scm]

+1

if there's load on the gearwheels, it takes more force to get them moved,
this is what makes you "jump" over neutral. Adjust clutch cable to bare
minimum of lash at the lever (@ hot engine) - better?

(I have no clue of Honda engines, but if the clutch is engaged by a steel rod
through the hollow gearshaft it's prone to get more clearance with hot engine
due to different thermal expansion)

Good luck
Sven

 

[eyhonda]

This is a long shot and a potential "another oil debate?", but the oil should be motorcycle specific. Automotive engine oil isn't made for motorcycle transmissions and wet clutches.

My FHE was an improvement with shifting, neutral location and clutching when I changed to motorcycle oil from automotive oil.

 

[New2meCB]

+1

............. (@ hot engine) - better?..............

Good luck
Sven

Damn! I never thought of trying it while the engine is at least warm! I'm doing it while the engine is stone cold! That may be my ticket right there...........

Thanks boys. Appreciate the help. I will try that when I get a chance for sure.

Cheers!

Any more suggestions still welcome!

 

[New2meCB]

This is a long shot and a potential "another oil debate?", but the oil should be motorcycle specific. Automotive engine oil isn't made for motorcycle transmissions and wet clutches.

DEFINITELY using motorcycle oil. No worries there.

Yes, agreed, no debates over oil.