Hitchcocks Forum

Just picked up a 2002 Classic 500 4 speed. Goes up through the box fine but when trying to down shift I keep getting false neutrals (almost every time) I am confident I haven't been hitting the neutral finder. It's been quite a while since I had a classic bike (Bonneville about 20 years ago) and I don't expect it the box to be like a modern Japanese bike but in a 15 minute ride through town you'd have thought I might have managed to downshift at least once successfully.

I checked the chain tension and it appears to be ok. It only has 1500 miles on the clock so has clearly been left sitting for long periods during it's lifetime. Not sure if it's been serviced at all. Is this 'normal' or something I'm doing wrong? I have read about the ratchet system in the gearbox - could adjustment here help things? The guy I bought it off said he had just adjusted the clutch - could this have any bearing?

Any ideas much appreciated (or any mechanic recommendations in N. Ireland (closer to Belfast the better)

hi old bulldog ,you,ll have to develope the knack ,there are more neutrals than gears in these 4 speed boxes ,take your time when selecting sometimes it requires a doudle prod 1 for the neutral then into gear ,just be sure footed practice makes better never perfect,the gear box is agricultural but thats what makes enfields interesting ,the neutral finder is a useful piece of kit i use mine regular especially around town RE gards paul.

They are all the same, it take care and practice with down changes. Assuming right side gear shift, when you lift the pedal up, its not just a flick but a steady movement all the way up and release the clutch before taking your toe off the pedal. You can actually feel passing through the false neutral sometimes. When you are in 2nd, a small movement will probably find neutral. The neutral finder is great, but it only finds neutral at slow speeds and then only from 4th, 3rd or 2nd. If you are in first you have to find neutral yourself, or change up to 2nd and then use the neutral finder. With such a low milage, the ratchet should not need any adjustment. Keep practicing. Having changed to an EFI, I do miss the neutral finder and I need to practice what I preach. Good Luck.

Hello matey --------- allied with the distinctive gear change system is that infuriating BIG GAP between 3rd & 4th. This means when changing UP you will have to push 3rd speed just a bit further than your "instincts" tell you because when 4th is selected the engines torque will have to keep the momentum going for you. Conversely, when changing DOWN you will have to let the bike roll on further than you might think before selecting (or attempting to !!!) 3rd or else engine speed suddenly goes through the roof. It's a knack that you get used to after a while. These boxes are of a 1950's (?) design----just take your time with the right foot. I doubt if you are hitting the neutral finder as this needs a good FIRM PROD to make it work and, when operated puts the box back to the proper neutral anyway. I wonder why the last owner felt the need to "adjust the clutch" for such a low mileage ?? ---- the cable, maybe. Incidentally----given that mileage and the long periods of rest I would be inclined to do a full service anyway so at least the eng. oil & filter, points, plug and air filter are fresh from day 1 with you. Alas can't help you with a mechanics contact in Belfast--------- try the Owners club for that sort of info. Happy miles !!!!

As everyone says, you have to be firm with the lever to get results and the travel is quite long. Make sure the clutch is set up correctly or gearchange is always going to be difficult.
It helps a lot to do a "blip change" when changing down. I don't want to teach you to suck eggs but this is when you blip the throttle just after declutching and before changing. It's the same idea as double de-cluching and gets the mainshaft and layshaft running at more like the same speed so the cogs will slide in easier.

Hi, a throttle blip helps a lot when changing down. Having had two Electras ,then an iron Classic ,and now an Classic Efi I can sympathise with you. I think the Classic has a "Crash" box whereas the Electra and Classic Efis have constant mesh boxes.All above have offered sound advice but try a throttle blip. Best of luck, JohnH

hello Bulldog,
John H is correct, a small blip on the throttle when firmly pushing the gear lever down a gear and you should get a proper gear change, might also be worth checking the clutch adjustment, Mr H has an excellent how to guide in the technical notes of your not sure?.

Regards, Bertie

But the boxes are all constant mesh.

The ratchet may have never been set up correctly. First make sure that the clutch is adjusted perfectly then strip, clean, grease and adjust the ratchet assembly correctly. My year 2000 500 is so much sweeter since I did this. It looks a daunting process, but in reality its easy. Whatever some may say, these boxes can be made to operate nicely. There's no point in putting up with false neutrals and clunky gear changes.

Sorry all, Simon is correct they are all constant mesh, JohnH