Hitchcocks Forum

Before I laid the bike up for the winter, I found I had a broken foot control ratchet spring - the figure-of-eight one. I replaced it, taking great care to re-fit the stop plate correctly. But I found that the gear lever doesn't always return to the central position after a gear-change. I re-checked everything but couldn't see anything amiss. Now I'm checking the bike over and plan to remove the end-cover for another look. Is there anything that you could suggest that I should be checking or looking out for as a possible cause of the problem? I'd be grateful for any advice. Apart from occasional clutch adjustments, I've never had any trouble with the gearbox in around 25,000 miles, so I don't know my way around the insides too well!

Hi Spittingbull Just a thought,make sure kick start lever is not tight against gear lever.
Best of luck

As Yorkie says. Also, if it applies to you model, the left-hand change mechanism beneath the engine might have dried up and seized from standing so long. Try spraying with WD40 or similar to free- up, then lubricate with oil or lubricant of your choice.

First check that the neutral finder has free and easy movement when tightened fully i.e. the foot pad end isn't touching the casing.

If it does then you've left off the big washer that fits on the square shaft, last thing to go on before the outer cover..

Chances are though you just have to release all the fixing screws around the cover and realign the cover to the shafts..

Always tighten the finder first and then gentle taps on the cover to position for best movement, then tighten cover screws..

Maybe all thats needed..

Thanks, all. All your advice makes sense. I'm hoping to be able to get onto the job over the weekend. I'll let you know what I find.