False neutral - XR650L

[MJC]

Hi guys,

I have an XR650L which is only got a little more than a thousand miles on the clock and inbetween 4th to 5th I have started hitting a false neutral every now and then....also when gearing down from 5th, the lever is very stiff and difficult to push down...planning my overlanding trip for about 2 months time and was just wondering if anyone had heard of similar before and have any words of wisdom....

Thanks all and safe travels

[wbagwell]

I have hit neutral there a few times, but it's not common.

Unfortunately, if you take it to a dealer, they're likely to test ride it and say 'works fine for me' so you might be stuck invetigating it yourself, unless you can figure out a way to replicate the problem easily.

Wright

[Steve Pickford]

i'm not familiar with Dommie type engines and I may be wrong but don't most big jap singles have the gear selector mechanism located behind a cover near the front sprocket? If so, buy a gasket and pop the cover off. Check the selector mechanism and the return spring.

I'm not sure if they're available for this engine but some firms (Factory in US?) make heavy duty return springs for sports bikes. Although the pressure required to change gear is greater, it either changes gear or it does not. Quite easy to fit with minimal tools.

Steve

[RichLees]

my only falsie is 1st-2nd so I can't help on 4th-5th other than to say to be @positive@ with the left boot.
the selector stuff is behind the clutch which makes it somewhat less accessible than on some bikes.