Difficult neutral

[modelman]

Hi guys, havn't posted for a year or two, but I have a question for any 'experts' out there!!
I did a total strip & rebuild of my 1980 1000G a few years back, NO miles done since, (under wraps at back of garage)!!
Every few months shes taken out, fired up & run round the block a few times,just to keep her freed-up, but EVERY time, it goes into 1st easily enough, changes up & down perfectly as its riden, BUT coming to a standstill, clutch-in, THERE'S NO WAY she goes into neutral, the gear lever is 'solid' ease the clutch lever whilst trying for neutral & she snaps straight past & snicks into 2nd!!
Tried loads of times, & the only way is to stop the engine, then it goes into neutral easily, NEW cable, (very-light to pull) has a couple mm slack, NO clutch-drag, & once moving drives perfect, so I'm wondering that since its not getting up to operating temp, could the oil be the culprit?? i.e. a bit 'thick'. woja think??

[Nessism]

I wouldn't judge unless the bike is up to operating temperature.

My most recent bike had a similar problem that was greatly improved by changing the clutch disc's. The old discs seemed fine but must have been ever so slightly warped so as to cause some drag. Not sure if your bike is same but maybe.

[1948man]

My bike shifted just like that and I adjusted the clutch so there was just a bit more slack. Goes into neutral easy now.

[OldVet66]

Similar situation here. I keep about 1/4 inch free play. Friction point is closer to the handle, and it goes into neutral nicely. It will on occasions play lets find the elusive neutral, but it usually straitens itself out.

[pete]

I'm not sure if it's relevant to your issue or not, but Suzuki_Don had some issues getting his 550 into neutral and he was able to put a neutral spring from a different model in that was a bit stiffer and it sorted it for him.

Can't recall if it was the same symptoms or not though...