Hitchcocks Forum

Had had my electra for 5 days and 250 miles riding ( 2008 electra x with 5000 miles on clock ) , not sure if its me being used to more modern bikes / getting lazy riding the bullet but last 2 days have found a few false neutrals in particular going up from 3 - 4 th gear , seems to go into 4 and then after a few seconds finds a false neutral and when I change up goes straight up to 5th

Today tried when changing gear using slower gear change and holding gear changer with foot until clutch is engaged and has been fine

I'm gussing this is normal for the bullet and I just need to adjust riding style ?

Does the newer FI has a more "modern" gearbox ?

Cheers Steve

Welcome to the world of Electra X !!! My ride yesterday was ruined by my gearbox finding a load of false neutrals usually just as I was changing down in a corner. Many other posts about this problem. It will be interesting what this informed forum suggest.

There shouldn't be any problem with false neutrals - just be firm with your gear changing and it should click right in. Mine does anyway!

Sounds like another case of poor clutch clearance to me. If there is any drag from the clutch during the change you will likely find poor engagement and false neutrals.

I have the same problem with my 2011 500cc efi. 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th cam be a pain in the 'arris at times. The only adjustment on the clutch, however, would seem to be through the clutch cable and I've never been able to get any free play in the cable.

As Simon says clutch adjustment is important. I adjust the clutch om my Electra XS at the handlebar end to give 3-4mm free play and this gives the correct bite point and no drag. Also very important - and perhaps more when going up or down through the gears - is chain tension. If my chain gets a bit loose (like when my new train did after the first 200 miles or so) then the 'box gave false neutrals. Just moving the chain adjuster cams two notches gave the correct tension and substantially reduced any issues with the gearbox.

To be fair, and having owned two Enfields with the 5 speed 'box, it is a good unit but as Alex said it does prefer a firm-ish foot and it does cruntch a bit at times. I think that it is nearly as good as most Jap' boxes - and better than some I've owned, but perhaps not as slick as the very best.

Good luck with adjustments etc Steve, lets us know how you get on.

Hi

Gearbox has been fine today , just used slower , firmer gear change

did notice neutral sometimes difficut to find , loosened the clutch cable at handle slightly and this has made finding neutral much easier

many thanks for the help , really appreciated

the bullet is growing on me and might well be looking for one as a 2nd bike , could not use day to day as need to cover a lot of motorway miles for work

Cheers Steve