The EVIL ghost netural between 5 and 6

[jeffro]

The EVIL ghost netural between 5 and 6. I have found it 3 times, I have had the bike 3 days one time was with the wife for her fist ride she thought I was a bad driver. Anyone experience it ? 2005 St with 200 miles ? Jeffro

[kc5deb]

Found the ghost neutral on my 99 ST between 5th and 6th once. I was just sure it was because I was shifting too soft. Nice to see I'm not the only one

[TornadoST]

[BobsUrUncleX12]

I had this experience the other day on my '06 (1600 miles). I felt like maybe I hadn't used enough pressure on the shift. It worried me briefly as I was concerned my shifting might have done something to the gearbox. No recurrence since but I'm curious about the mechanics of being "between" gears. Seems odd.

[DaveM]

A word on these boxes.

1) The oil you use makes a difference to the quality and smoothness of your shift.

2) Sprint gearboxes require a more positive shift than most Japanese machines do in a lot of cases.

3) They improve a lot the more kilometers you put on them.

I use Motul semisynthetic and it gives me good smooth changes.
I have used this oil on a number of my bikes for this reason.

DaveM

[Simmo]

I am with DaveM here. Be positive with shifts and Motul seems to give better shift action. Being a ***** foot with change action I have found false neutrals all through the box with both my prior 2001 Sprint and my current 06. Learn to be firm with gear change and no problems.
Cheers, Simmo

[oldndumb]

Wot DaveM said.

Make sure our shift lever is adjusted to your foot position and riding style.
Pre-loading the shifter makes for more positive shifting.
No clutch upshifts are smoothest.

Don't know how good a rider you are. Speaking for myself, three days and 200 miles is not enough for me to get smooth with a bike.

Your wife must really trust you to go for a ride on a new to you machine that soon.

[deller4210]

Jeffro, I don’t know if the gear boxes are the same but I had the same issue with my “02” ST. If so it should clear once you get used to the machine and it is broken in.

[dolson]

This is common as others have said. It does get better over time and when you change over to the normal oil will improve further. Stick to the recommended spec oil and all should be fine. As others have reported Motul is a fine oil, mine, since a lengthy break in period the dealer has put in nothing but Silkolene at the changes and I have had "0" issues either.

Don

[jefftarlton]

It took nearly 10,000 miles for my '01 trans to loosen up. It is very picky about oil. I use mobil 1 syn.
I do have the false neutral between 5th and 6th. I don't find it every time I ride, but it is there.
Firm on the lever is fine. Force is not.