Hitchcocks Forum

Hi All,
Now im using my 500 bullet regularly im doing the typical enfield owner thing and wanting to make it better.The problem is engaging neutral. I can never seem to get neutral at traffic lights etc so am holding the clutch in all the time and as we all know sometimes this is not convenient.I have experimented with various positions of cable/pushrod adjustment but no improvement.I seem to remember a thread on this forum last year extolling the virtues of cork clutch plates i wonder do they really make that much difference?Can anyone that has them fitted give an assessment of their performance?Dont want to go that route until ive thoroughly weighed up the pros/cons.
Thanks for any input forum members can provide.
Cheers Chris

I suspect finding neutral when the bike is stationery is not just an Enfield problem, my Radian had it, and the CX500 has always had the problem.
I have found engaging neutral before the bike stops is the way to go.

As Papa says, riding technique is important. Learn to use the Neutral Finder as well but remember it doesn't work from 1st. You might also find that changing the oil in the primary case to ATF (automatic transmission fluid) helps; although some say it doesn't make a difference for them it has improved several of my Enfields.

REgards, Mark

I fitted a set to my Inter a few weeks ago, can't say I found any improvement.

Thanks for the tips,I find it absolutely infuriating that the bike just sits firmly in gear and refuses to engage neutral and if i do get movement it jumps through to second or first depending what gear ive stopped in.Ive practiced using the neutral finder and yes i know it dosent work in first, it is still a very hit and miss affair.Just been through old posts and noticed a thread from simon re cork plates . I will have to consider this carefully would really like to know the long term performance of this type of plate.Anyone been using them for at least a year?
I have been riding for 40 years now and have owned and ridden many different bikes, British,Continental and dare i say Jap and am aware that on some models finding neutral is like finding the holy grail but there are always small improvements to be made its just finding the right ones to suit the bike that causes all the problems!
All the best
Regards Chris

Spence, I use my heel to "kick" down from 2nd to neutral, just before the bike stops. I have put "kick" in quotes because it is the short distance of the kick that matters not a hefty kick.
Bear in mind the gearbox oil in an Enfield is like treacle and it takes many miles to warm up. My BMW need very precise gear changing for many miles until the EP80 warms up.

Hi, as papasmurf stated get into neutral when on the move, as the gears are undercut any load will hold them in gear, which is why after you stall neutral can be found (no load) Having said that a well sent up box will slick in and out easily. Have you adjusted the clutch correctly?

The whole problem is the clutch and fitting the cork plates will not fix a crap clutch, design is the problem and the best fix is altering the clutch perch and lever so that you have 30mm from fulcrum center to nipple center, not easy with the diecast levers but not too hard with the older style. Lengthen the inner cable 15mm and you will get a perfect operating clutch, get neutral every time

Norm, I agree the early design was much better, probably because it gave longer travel on the pushrod. And the lever pressure was light to boot! Cork plates will expand if hot making the problem worse,

Thank you all for your input.I have tried much fiddling and many adjustments but not to the clutch perching positions.Norm your advice sounds logical and i think on balance this might be the way to go as when on the move ive got no complaints with this box.I will also try changing to atf fluid in the chaincase as ive got a slight dribble of oil escaping from there and am due to fit a new gasket anyway.
Suspect this might be a long running saga lol.On the plus point love the bike and really enjoying life in the slower lane(no choice with the enfield).
Regards Chris