Topic: 75 CB400F wont shift into neutral... help!!

[ianxshiver]

This is my first bike. Finally got it back from the shop doing tons of carb work, and rode it around a lot. When I was getting home I couldnt shift it into neutral to let the clutch out. So now I can't turn the bike on.

Its not stuck, in fact its probably moving a little too freely. is something seriously #$%*ed up?

PLEASE HELP.

[ianxshiver]

somebody's gotta know something!

[cameron]

broken cable?

[ianxshiver]

well its able to (i think) shift between first and second. but i dont really know how to tell though.

how do i know if the cable is broken?

[Danno]

it sounds like the shift pawl could be worn but more likely the clutch cable stretched
 try adjusting the clutch cable a little tighter at the lever remember though there is supposed to be a little slack at the lever so you pull it in a little before it actually starts pulling on the cable with resistence
that bike like the 550 needs to be able to pull the clutch cable in far enough to go into neutral but not so far that when you let it out it does not let the clutch lock up
also try shifting into neutral as you are rolling to a stop
but it sound like a clutch adjustment problem to me

[INSANE REINDEER]

Have you tried reaching down with your hand and pulling the shifter up. I have had to do it a few times when I first started because if I move it a tad to far it would go into second and I wasn't used to it. Just a suggestion.

[ianxshiver]

i did try with my hand. I played with the shifter for awhile but it just couldn't find neutral.

its entirely possible something is worn down or messed up past a cable adjustment. Since its my first bike and i'm just learning, I'm not exactly good at shifting. My clymer manual is incredibly confusing though and i can't tell if it would be the clutch or the actual shifter that would be messed up. i'll try tightening the clutch cable, but it feels pretty tight already.

[ianxshiver]

i have an update which is that I realized that as far as i know its not shifting at all. its stuck in first. the shift lever will click up and down like i'm shifting between 1st and neutral, but its not doing anything. and i'm not sure if im supposed to be able to shift through the gears with the wheel off the ground when the bike is off, but i cant.

does this help with the diagnosis?

[jessezm]

Do you have the shop manual? If not, download it here:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17788.0

There is a clutch adjustment procedure you need to do at the motor first, then adjust it at the lever.  You may not be able to shift through any gears without rocking the bike back and forth some, so that's normal.  Start with the procedure outlined in the manual and see if that helps.  If it doesn't, then you could be looking at warped metal clutch plate(s) or a worn/grooved clutch basket as possible problems, but they would be hard to diagnose without taking out the clutch and looking at the components.  At least that's what I would think

[ianxshiver]

i don't but am downloading it now, and will attempt the maintenance.

I did get it running by literally running with it until the engine started. It definitely can't find neutral, and first gear is now riding really #$%*ty, but i was able to shift it up to 2nd and 3rd gear at least.

Since it was working well up until the point that it stopped working, this tells me that its probably something warped/#$%*ed up, but i will do the maintenance first before assuming that.

thanks.

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

Try shifting into neutral while coasting to a stop or after the bike is shut off. Mine has pretty much never shifted into neutral while running and stopped ever. Mine goes smoothly into neutral every time if I do this.

While riding normally in what ever gear I'm in for the speed I am going I began to shift down each gear as I slow until I'm in first. Once i'm in first and the clutch has been let out I pull it in and with a light pull up it clicks right in. I know, I know it seems weird to me too but I've done it so many times it's second nature now.

[cameron]

well its able to (i think) shift between first and second. but i dont really know how to tell though.

how do i know if the cable is broken?

Stop.
Dont do ANYTHING to that bike until you can answer those nagging questions above.

You should be able to tell us WITH CONFIDENCE is the cable is broken or not.
You should also learn to tell if you are shifting.

Do not progress further until you can do this.
 For your own sake.
You will screw up your bike for no good reason.
Do not 'attempt maintenance'.