Hard Neutral

Question for Fix My Hog

I recently joined FMH. I presently own a 1999 Heritage Softail and am having difficulty with the clutch shifting into Neutral. It is very hard to shift—I have already tried adjusting the shifter cable and I tried to adjust the clutch pack per your video. What else can I check to resolve this problem?

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Fix My Hog Answers

Check your shift linkage. Make sure it is set up correctly and not binding in any way.
Also, check your shift pawl adjustment. Disconnect your shift linkage from the transmission shift arm.
Shift the transmission into third gear.
You should have equal spring resistance when you push slightly forward on the lever, as you do pushing slightly back on the lever.  

Related Fix My Hog Posts and Videos:
Shifter Pawl Adjustment: Tips and Techniques

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3 Responses to “Hard Neutral”

  1. steven szasz

    My 99 Heritage did that when the primary chain got too loose. I put a hydraulic chain tensioner on and it was good.

  2. Bob McCarty

    I have a’09 heritage Classic and had the same problem. I switched to Amsoil severe gear oil and problem resolved.

  3. Glenn Roy

    what I found out on my '14 Heritage, which was VERY hard to find N, is to apply a small amt of grease (I use white Lithium) to the shift linkage on the left side of the bike at the two spots where the linkage attaches to each other. I use a small detail brush to apply. It really works and repeat every month or so.