Can someone explain a "false neutral"?

I know what it is, I hit it on my bike from time to time. I'm wondering how it happens and what I can do to keep it from happening?

It sucks....

Great way to explain it to all of us Twisty. :dthumb:

Great way to explain it to all of us Twisty. :dthumb: It's all so clear now. :spam:

A false neutral can be caused by a lot of different things. Mechanical reasons, from worn gears to a bent shift fork to poorly adjusted shift linkage to just rider error (not a positive enough shift). There are a number of reasons that can cause a false neutral. If it's mechanical, it's usually worn gears or a bent shift fork. :)

thats better..thanks !! im sure twisty knew that..but well, u know, its twisty :lol:

I always assumed that a false neutral is when you hit a neutral between a gear that's not first and second. I've never had that, but I have hit real neutral when accelerating hard and shifting from first and getting neutral instead of second. The worst part is at the next light, telling the other rider "Oh, I meant to do that."

A false neutral (as in not between 1st and 2nd) is caused by the dogs and slots not engaging enough to provide drive. As speedwerks mentioned, there can be several reasons why they won't engage. If nothing is bent and it is a matter of the shift drum not rotating enough (from your limp foot), you can try a shift kit which helps rotate the shift drum with a little more force. Larry

I always assumed that a false neutral is when you hit a neutral between a gear that's not first and second. I've never had that, but I have hit real neutral when accelerating hard and shifting from first and getting neutral instead of second. The worst part is at the next light, telling the other rider "Oh, I meant to do that." Yep, been there done that!

I hate hitting a false nuetral...it doesnt happen often, but when it does its usually when I "lazy shift" or when I try and actually shift too fast when Im riding hard. I always look around to see if anybody noticed. :whistle:

I have had that happen. The first time I thought I recked the transmission! :here: