Hitchcocks Forum

I'm re-painting my 2002 4 speed 500cc Classic, I've been cleaning up the gearbox and have notice a plastic hexagon plug fitted low down on the back face of the gearbox. It looks like it has a corroded broken off electrical ring terminal and screw attached to it. It isn't shown in my parts manual or on Mr H's online parts book. It looks to me like a neutral position sensor that I've seen on some Jap bikes. I don't want to dismantle this fitting until I know what it is as it will probably snap off and need replacing. I would be grateful for any advice on what it is.

Bob, I think I have seen one of those and as you say it is a neutral indicator switch, a few 4 speeds must have been fitted with them

I think I know what you are on about - I over-filled my 04 4 speed classic and notice 00 grease/EP50 mix wicking out of that orifice. Could not find it on hitchcocks site. Leave it alone I was told!. It has nothing to do with electrics or neutral finders.

Just to confirm. It's the neutral switch. These gearboxes were fitted as standard to the 500 and 535 Lightnings. Since these gearboxes weren't supposed to be fitted to export machines (They have a different part number), the neutral switch wouldn't turn up in the parts catalogue. Actually, I'm rather fond of the neutral light on my Lightning. It makes finding neutral a LOT easier.

Barry you got it, couldn't remember where it was but I put a Lightning together a few years ago and that must have been where I came across it

Thanks for your replies. I thought it looked like a neutral switch which isn't used on my bike. I'll leave it along.

Here's a whole topic from another board somewhere.




4 speed neutral switch


It is from 2007, but very pleasant reading.

I forgot about those 4 speed electric start ones, probably because I have never seen one only in pictures

If a gearbox has 14 neutrals, like mine, that switch is sure to become confused.

I'll 1+ that!



14 Neutrals !!!!!