neutral problem;

[scallowayuk]

hi, just bought 9xb sx have problem engaging neutral keeps going past, have adjusted clutch and cable , has not helped, anyone got any ideas thanks

 

[Cooter]

They can take a smooth touch but check that the clutch isn't dragging at all with the lever pulled in. It could also be a throw out bearing going out or a shift lever that is too tight on the pivot bolt.

 

[scallowayuk]

hi, gear lever seems ok, moves freely. i presume throw out bearing is thrust bearing , clutsh seems smooth , no noises, when i put it in gear from neutral it clunks and jerks a bit.

 

[Cooter]

when you put it in 1st without the brake on, does it try to creep forward a little?

 

[scallowayuk]

hi , no but i have to pull the lever up hard from 1st then it goes to 2nd misses neutral

 

[Chicknstripn]

www.buellmods.com
Find the service manual for your bike
Start looking into the possibility that your shift shaft and or shift butterfly mechanism my be out of whack. I may have my terminology incorrect but you should better understand what I'm talking about when you look in the service manual under the primary/transmission section.
The manual will also be invaluable when you decided to open the primary and truly discover what is wrong with the transmission/shifting of your Buell.
Good luck

 

[Enemy Zero]

Have you attempted to check that your primary is in proper adjustment. Sometimes if it's too tight or too loose neutral seems to be an issue. Could save you a lot of trouble not having to break it down completely if it's just a minor adjustment.

 

[Cooter]

Both suggestions are spot on. The shift shaft can be bent easily with even a driveway flop and the stiff lever is a sign of that.

I like the method of adjusting the primary chain with the engine running.

FYI, these are not the buttery smooth Ducati or Triumph transmissions, they will always embarrass you when the hottie in the car next to you is looking:upset:

 

[Outlaw]

So true. Even more so on my M2 tuber.

 

[Cooter]

The STT (Stella) I just bought ran like a sewing machine for a 10 day 3000 mile trip. I get back and take a hottie for a ride, and wouldn't ya know... Sputtering and stalling, making me look the fool... wtf? Jealous much, you bitch Stella!!!

Maybe I should call her Christine??

 

[scallowayuk]

been riding a while now getting used to it, primary chain is ok and clutch adjustment, ill look inside primary in the winter when its off road at moment just enjoying riding , even better than v.max i had a few years \ago both got character , but buell goes round corners reall well. best handling bike ive had, love it already

 

[user_deleted]

been riding a while now getting used to it, primary chain is ok and clutch adjustment, ill look inside primary in the winter when its off road at moment just enjoying riding , even better than v.max i had a few years \ago both got character , but buell goes round corners reall well. best handling bike ive had, love it already

when adjusted properly in all regards....and quality trans/primary lube used....should shift virtually as smooth as any jap or italian large displacement V-twin with neutral there for the asking. the key is critically accurate adjustments of the cable barrel, clutch pack screw, primary drive chain.........and amsoil 20-50 motorcycle oil in the primary(1 quart). all XB's clunk harshly when cold and 1st gear engaged from stand-still. that's why i always suggest under those conditions you initially paddle a few steps then click into 1st to lessen the dreaded bang and go. your trans internals will thank you for it.

 

[Chicknstripn]

BTW what year is your bike?
Early model Buells were pretty "clunky" when referring to trans action.

I went from a 2003 Honda sportbike to a 2007buell and the difference in trans feel was like shifting an old ford tractor with your big toe!

At least thats how it felt to me.

I've owned my bike since new, and I'm sorry to contradict your above statement John, but I find the trans needs a bit more "enthusiasm" than any other bike I've owned.

 

[scallowayuk]

bike is 2006 xb 9sx. ive also been riding jap bikes for over 30 years, your description is same as mine, ford tractor gearbox. i can live with it everything else about bike is so good