'84 XT600 Tenere - No neutral

[Quicken]

Hi there,

Can anyone give me some pointers on how solve the issue of not finding neutral when the bike is running? I assume that the shift cam is worn and I know from previous experience on a Yamaha Thundercat that full synthetic oil usually helps a bit but doesn't completely cure the problem.

I live in South Africa and parts are farely hard to find, so I am hoping to fix the issue by working on the existing parts.

Also, I have downloaded a workshop manual but I can only find from '88 upwards. Does anyone have a link for a manual for an '84 model?

Thanks.

[JonStobbs]

Does it go into neutral easily enough when the engine is not running? If so it's probably just the clutch dragging slightly. Check the cable adjustment (just a small amount of free-play) then if it still drags you'll need to pop the clutch cover off and check the actual plates and springs. It's well worth replacing the springs anyway for something slightly uprated (EBC,etc...) as they're really cheap. Check the clutch plates for cracks and damage, the steel plates arn't warped. Check the clutch basket for wear where the plates fit in, dress with a file if needed.
Or you could just live with it and stop the motor when you need to get neutral!

[Quicken]

Yes, it pops into neutral fairly easily when the motor is not turning, sometimes with a bit of a struggle, but usually fairly easily. I'll check the springs and related possible issues as suggested - Thanks for the advice! I don't think that it has ever been checked before. The bike still has most of it's original equipment but has been neglected a bit. I guess that after 76000Kms the clutch would probably give a bit of trouble.

Do you or anyone know of a bike shop that could deliver the parts I need to South Africa? As mentioned before, parts are scarce here. I would love to replace the rev counter as it is missing a counter needle and doesn't look like it is working at all.

[Bobmech]

As far as parts go, try Boats.net, they have genuine Yamaha parts at very cheap prices, but you'll have to check if they ship to SA.
And remember their parts will be for USA model bikes, so some parts may be different e.g. speedo in MPH instead of KPH, etc.
Bob

[Quicken]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[wwwutz]

HI Quicken,

(still) driving several XT600 since ´84 so far, none of them find the neutral easily while standing still with engine running idle. My solution: slide in the neutral just right before you stop (tender kick at the last meter while rolling out). Especially if neutral slips in softly while engine is off, IMHO there is no mechanical fault on your Tenere, it’s just a Yamaha gear box from the 80´th

Cheers
Jörn (who loves the old 34L!)

[Quicken]

I have actually started noticing that it does go to neutral from 2nd when slowing down. I have only had the bike for about two weeks and still learning about its little niggles(only minor ones for such an old bike!). My aim was to sell it to make a profit as I got it for the equivalent of 300 pounds, but really starting to love this bike...excellent. Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[BlackDogZulu]

I've had the same problem since I got the bike. I suspect that my (and your) clutch needs a bit of lurve, but as I can live with the problem it isn't really a priority. First goes in from standstill with a loud THUNK especially when the oil is cold, and neutral can be hard to find if the bike isn't rolling. I usually come to a stop in second gear anyway, so for the last few feet I tap the lever gently and look for the green light. Always gets neutral really easily this way.

I bought my bike as a winter hack to save my Ducati from mud and salt, but now I regard it as my 'keeper'. Faster, smarter, better bikes have come and gone, but the XT is the one I could never sell. I think you're going to find it hard to get rid of this one. They have a habit of finding a place in your heart.

[Quicken]

It has already....decided to keep it and restore it as far as possible from front to back. Loving this bike. The traffic in this country is just crazy and this bike deals with it so well.