Neutral between 6th and 5th gear - twice in two days, and a very close call..

[Max_NYC]

Anybody experienced that kind of problem when downshifting from 6th to 5th? Both times it happened to me, I was entering sweeping curves, hence taking the curves at neutral gear... The second time almost got me down.

[Joemomma]

The false neutrals clear up with miles & a firm boot...earplugs don't fix this one

[bikeman]

Mine did that until the transmission broke in. I'd say it took a good 3000 miles and now it NEVER does that, even with a too light shift.

Mike

[Max_NYC]

I have 3700 miles on Speedy's clock (and I wear racing boots) - I guess it's "a good 3000 miles". Darn, these false neutrals are very dangerous.

[oamaru52]

Originally Posted by Max_NYC

I have 3700 miles on Speedy's clock (and I wear racing boots) - I guess it's "a good 3000 miles". Darn, these false neutrals are very dangerous.

It's not a problem with your gear shift linkage is it Max? :

[Rubbus]

I have an 06, and don't have that problem at 6k mi...

[welshrob]

Originally Posted by rifleart

It's not a problem with your gear shift linkage is it Max? :

+1 for the linkage. Speedy is the fifth Triumph Triple I`ve owned and the gearboxes aren`t gixxer smooth but they DO get better when you put some miles on. If you keep hitting that neutral I`d check the linkage, though.

[6485]

that is odd to put neutral way up there. My neutral is between 1st and 2nd. :

[Max_NYC]

Originally Posted by rifleart

It's not a problem with your gear shift linkage is it Max? :

I have no idea but I will have someone check this out for me. (I'm the worst mechanic on earth). Thanks.

[oamaru52]

Originally Posted by Max_NYC

I have no idea but I will have someone check this out for me. (I'm the worst mechanic on earth). Thanks.

On my S3 the forward threaded bar on the gear change knuckle joint was loose for quite a while before it finally fell out. Managed to get it into 1st and ride home (short distance luckily). I checked both ends of the gear change linkage and loctited them in.
I think that big spongy washer may mask the problem if the threaded bar is loose.
After fixing it the gear change seemed better and crisper, certainly into 6th.
I keep a watch on the linkage now, could ruin your day on a busy freeway.

It's easy to check, there is a little pin that circles the knuckle joint at either end of the gear change linkage rod. The pin also goes thru a hole in the joint. Remove the pin carefully and then with a good tug you can pull the knuckle off the ball at the end of the threaded bar. Remove the big sponge washer and check the threaded bar to see if it's loose in the lever on the splined shaft (the shaft that goes into the gearbox). If it's loose tighten it and reassemble, preferably loctite the threaded bar in.
This process can be repeated on the knuckle joint at the rear end of the gear change linkage rod.
Good luck. :