Can't find neutral when running!

[ericmanuel]

Hey guys,
I have a 64 CA77 and it runs and shifts great. The only challenge is that I can't shift into neutral while the bike is running. Shut it down and I can. Would like to give my left hand a break at relights.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

~Eric

[OldStan]

Generally the trick is to find neutral before you stop. I usually downshift from 2nd to neutral (with a gentle touch) and leave it there. Once you stop moving it can be very difficult to get neutral.

[Al Urquhar]

Is the problem common to other Hondas of that era? Was it a gearbox/clutch design fault? Anybody know?

[mike1969]

Read my post on Right cylinder smoking. I just went through this with my 65 Dream and got it fixed. It's not real easy and takes a little finesse but I can find neutral when running.

[Al Urquhar]

I've just read your thread (thanks for the heads-up) and, from your findings, it does seem that pulling the clutch apart may have to be the next job if reliable neutral selection while running cannot be achieved by careful clutch adjustment. Although, from what G-Man has to say on the subject, neutral-selection on these bikes is always a bit marginal anyway.

[G-Man]

Makes you wish that Honda copied that lovely AMC gearbox and clutch on my Matchless...... :-)

G

[mike1969]

I sold a 1966 Dream four years ago that shifted into neutral fairly easily. My 78 Goldwing only had neutral trouble when the oil needed changed. Maybe you could try an oil change before taking it apart.