AWOL Neutral

[Matt]

I have come across a real problem getting into neutral. The gears have always been difficult to get from neutral to first when stopping at lights for example but now the issue has progressed further now and I just can't seem to do the small step up from first to neutral. Maybe my thumping down on the gear selector lever over the past year has broken something?

The clutch doesn't slip, the oil could need changing but is only 4000 Kms old.  The clutch seems to engage fine as when it is in gear and the clutch is in it doesn't creep forward when revved (an old bike of mine used to creep).

Hints, tips appreciated!

[RichBaker]

Most commonly caused by air in the line, you may even have a leaky slave cylinder seal... Try bleeding the clutch.

[Matt]

Thanks Rich, I'll look into that next weekend.  Much appreciated.

Matt

[FJmonkey]

Did you by chance change oil types? Dino then Synthetic, or reverse. Others have reported issues when making this kind of change, normally it is immediate and shifting in general is difficult not just neutral. I had harder than normal shifting when I switched to a full synth, the issues sorted them selves out and shifting is normal again.

What Rich said, I had the same problem with finding neutral when my clutch slave leaked and I got air in the line. Rebuilt the slave and master and problem free for my clutch since then.

[yamaha fj rider]

What Rich said, I had the same problem with finding neutral when my clutch slave leaked and I got air in the line. Rebuilt the slave and master and problem free for my clutch since then.

+1 Leaking slave cylinder was my first thought. Hope this helps.

Kurt

[Dan Filetti]

What Rich said, I had the same problem with finding neutral when my clutch slave leaked and I got air in the line. Rebuilt the slave and master and problem free for my clutch since then.

+1 Leaking slave cylinder was my first thought. Hope this helps.

Rich, Mark, Curt are saying what I thought, the other possibility is crap oil.  I have noticed that some oils make it hard to shift the GSXR properly, to include finding neutral.

Just another thought,

Dan

[Matt]

Hi there

I have changed the oil and filter and bought a clutch slave seal kit.  I've removed the housing and immediately I could see the problem, it was full of s@#$ in there.  My problem now is that I cannot get the piston out. I've removed the outer seal, cleaned it up and squeezing the clutch lever moved it a few mm's, but it won't come right out.  It seems to be on a bit of an angle, like its wedged in there.  Releasing the bleed nipple results in clutch fluid escaping when I pull the lever.

Any ideas on how to get the piston out?  I don't want to start digging around the edges with a screwdriver etc in case I dent the bore sides...

Cheers

[fj11.5]

I'd belt it in with a lump of wood and a large hammer ,, but maybe a few gentle tapps after a good soaking in wd40 or something, or. compressed air but be verrry careful  if it flies out towards your face

[Matt]

I sprayed degreaser over it before coming inside to post, then went back and did some gentle persuasion with wood and a hammer, AND it came apart! 

Thanks guys, most appreciated

[fj11.5]

excellent , , should be on the road again, , hope its as nice there today as it is here, ,

[Matt]

All back together, road tested and it's like a new bike.  I always thought the clutch was heavy, now I know what it should have felt like.  Quiet gear changes and no need to get cramp in my left hand!

Happy   

[Klavdy]

It's O.K, you can swear here.
You don't need to write idiotic symbols for swearwords,s%$#@,we're adults.

[Matt]

Kin oath mate