Topic: Sticky Neutral (CB500)

[farinhite]

I have a CB500 and I'm trying to diagnose exactly whats going on with my clutch as so minimize tearing the entire thing apart. I haven't got into it yet, but heres the symptoms:

For a month now the Neutral light has been kinda wonky. Will go in and out, but the shifting seemed fine until last week when I took it out for an admittedly hard ride (Usually Im a very deliberate shifter, but I was pushing it harder than usual that day). When I got back I noticed that it was having issues going into Neutral and the shifter is sticky between 1-2. The bike seems to be shifting fine otherwise, it will run through the gears, but only wants to go into neutral when the bike is moving, and even then its intermittant. Seems that if your in second, and lightly press down on the shifter, eventually it will lightly click into neutral when the bike is moving.

I was hoping maybe I could get an idea of where I might be so I could order some parts before tearing the thing apart. Ive already ordered a gasket. Was debating on order a clutch pack, but the bike only has 9k on it. Original Clutch, never rebuilt.

Any ideas?

[DavePhipps]

Man no clue really, but my cb500 and FZR 600 both do that.

[Deltarider]

Normal. When engine is hot finding neutral can be a bit more difficult. Make sure drive chain is properly adjusted and has prescribed play.

[Dr. Noisewater]

My 550 does this too and I've read it's pretty normal. Some people blame it on the oil, and some people say that running thicker oil can improve it, but I'm not trying to start that debate! I wouldn't really worry about it, but being nicer to your shifter would probably be a good idea.

[TwoTired]

Classic clutch drag, it is the eventual death of the shifter components and the gear dogs.

Could be simply that the oil is worn out, if it got hot and abused.  Otherwise, attend to proper adjustment.  Make sure the shift rod isn't broken, etc.