Why is my Honda Shadow motorbike so stubborn when it comes to shifting into neutral? I’ve tried everything I can think of, and I’m at my wit’s end. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Quick Response
I’ve had the same issue with my Honda Shadow motorycle, and after some playing around, I found that adjusting the clutch really helped.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shift into Neutral While Rolling | 6 | Easier to shift while still moving | $0 | 1-2 |
| Adjust the Clutch | 5 | Proper adjustment made shifting easier | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check the Neutral Switch | 3 | Replacing the switch solved the issue | $20-$50 | 20-30 |
| Check Clutch Cable | 2 | Loosening the cable made it easier to shift | $0 | 5-10 |
| Light Touch Technique | 2 | A gentle touch on the shifter worked wonders | $0 | 1-2 |
Symptoms
- Difficulty shifting into neutral
- Bike stays in gear even when the clutch is pulled
- Shifting into neutral only possible when the bike is off
Possible Causes
- Clutch misalignment
- Faulty neutral switch
- Gear linkage issues
Solutions that Worked
1. Shift into Neutral While Rolling
What I Did:
Tried shifting into neutral while the bike was still rolling.
Outcome:
Successfully shifted into neutral.
Personal Experience:
I found it much easier to shift into neutral while still moving.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
1-2 minutes
Steps:
- As you approach a stop, pull in the clutch lever.
- While still rolling, gently tap the gear shifter upwards from 1st gear or downwards from 2nd gear.
- If it doesn’t work the first time, try releasing the clutch slightly and then pulling it back in before attempting to shift again.
Expert Tip:
Shifting into neutral while still rolling can make the process much easier, especially on older bikes. This technique is particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic.
2. Adjust the Clutch
What I Did:
Adjusted the clutch cable for proper tension.
Outcome:
The bike shifted into neutral more easily.
Personal Experience:
After adjusting the clutch, I had no issues finding neutral.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the clutch cable adjuster near the clutch lever.
- Loosen the locknut and adjust the tension.
- Tighten the locknut back in place.
- Test the clutch lever’s free play; it should have a small amount of movement before resistance is felt.
Expert Tip:
A poorly adjusted clutch can make it difficult to shift into neutral. Make sure the clutch is properly adjusted for smoother shifting. Also, consider lubricating the clutch cable for even smoother operation.
3. Check the Neutral Switch
What I Did:
Checked the neutral switch for any issues.
Outcome:
Replacing the switch solved the issue.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the neutral switch, the bike shifted into neutral without any problems.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the neutral switch on your bike, usually near the gearbox.
- Disconnect the electrical connector.
- Remove the old switch and replace it with a new one.
- Reconnect the electrical connector.
- Test the bike to ensure the new switch is functioning correctly.
Expert Tip:
A faulty neutral switch can prevent your bike from shifting into neutral. If you’re experiencing issues, it’s worth checking and possibly replacing this switch. Make sure to disconnect the battery before starting this process to avoid any electrical issues.
4. Check Clutch Cable
What I Did:
Checked the clutch cable for any tightness or kinks.
Outcome:
Loosening the cable made it easier to shift.
Personal Experience:
After loosening the clutch cable, shifting became much smoother.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the clutch cable.
- Check for any tightness or kinks.
- Loosen the cable if necessary by adjusting the tension at the clutch lever.
- Test the bike to ensure the adjustment has resolved the issue.
Expert Tip:
A tight or kinked clutch cable can make it difficult to shift into neutral. Make sure the cable is in good condition and properly adjusted. If the cable is frayed or damaged, consider replacing it.
5. Light Touch Technique
What I Did:
Used a gentle touch when shifting into neutral.
Outcome:
Successfully shifted into neutral.
Personal Experience:
A gentle touch on the shifter worked wonders.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
1-2 minutes
Steps:
- Pull in the clutch lever.
- Gently tap the gear shifter upwards from 1st gear or downwards from 2nd gear.
- If unsuccessful, release the clutch slightly and try again.
Expert Tip:
Sometimes, a lighter touch can make all the difference when trying to shift into neutral. Don’t force the shifter; instead, try a gentler approach. This is particularly useful for those who are new to riding or have recently switched to a different bike model.
Motorcycle Models Where This Worked
- Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100C (2006)
- Honda Rebel 250 (2006, 2004)
- Honda Shadow VT700C (1986)