hard to put bike into netural when bike is running

[mrhedges]

So I finally got around to putting my bike(1981 gs850g) back together after checking valves. Runs so much better except it's really hard to put it in neutral when the bike is running. I can do it with my hand but not my foot. It works if the bike is not running. I did a google search and found a forum post from 2012 on this site about replacing a spring? The strange thing is that I've had this bike for years and it's never been an issue, not sure if it's from it sitting up or maybe I just got used to the shifting on my kawasaki. I did replace the clutch cable but the clutch feels ok, like it will engage and shift between the other gears. Kinda stumped and I'm so close to having the bike back on the road so any advice would be appreciated.

 

[dpep]

Frequent issue. I do not even try.

Kill switch to "engine off", kill switch to 'engine on'. Kick into neutral (green light); Turn key off and remove.

It has the added benefit of testing the kill switch and enhancing your proficiency in using it when suddenly needed.

 

[Rob S.]

Adjust your clutch cable.

 

[Nessism]

Reducing the clutch cable free play, so the clutch disengages further when you pull the lever, may help. If not, your clutch plates are likely dragging because they are warped. I had the same problem on one of the GS1000's I restored, and after changing both the friction and steel clutch plates, neutral was easy to find.

 

[mrhedges]

Reducing the clutch cable free play, so the clutch disengages further when you pull the lever, may help. If not, your clutch plates are likely dragging because they are warped. I had the same problem on one of the GS1000's I restored, and after changing both the friction and steel clutch plates, neutral was easy to find.

i will double check this I replaced the cable and had issues adjusting cables

 

[LAB3]

Do you have a manual? There's a bit more involved in properly adjusting the clutch other than the cable, you'll need to get inside the cover that the cable goes into to do it. It's not that difficult to do, just get a manual and follow the directions.

 

[Nessism]

Do you have a manual? There's a bit more involved in properly adjusting the clutch other than the cable, you'll need to get inside the cover that the cable goes into to do it. It's not that difficult to do, just get a manual and follow the directions.

You're thinking 450. The 850 doesn't use the same mechanism. The only adjustment is at the cable.

 

[rphillips]

A thought, the little arm, where the cable connects at bottom, should be adjusted where you get the most movement from a complete pull of the lever. Easy to get it out of wack when reinstalling the clutch cover.

 

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Had the same issue with my GSX 1100, and it was clutch plates (as suggested by Nessism). I knew it wasn't a cable problem so tipped the bike over to the left against a tree to keep the oil in the clutch case, removed the clutch cover. This was a road side fix so couldn't drop the oil. Removed the clutch plate stack (remember the steel and friction plate stacking order) shuffled the steel plates around into different positions but keeping them in the correct stack order. Clutch cover back on, bike back on its side stand. Could now engage neutral and change gears smoothly every time. One day will replace the plates but for now, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.