Newbie xs650 question about clutch pull and finding neutral

vufromlu

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So I am picking up my ‘76 xs650 and the owner had done the hydraulic clutch conversion but then
modified it back to cable clutch. So my question is: how bad is the neutral finding problem and how does it relate to cable clutch vs hydraulic clutch? I felt the cable clutch pull is heavy but how is this related to the hard to find neutral while stopped?
 
A common problem with any XS.. it's best to find neutral while slowly rolling to a stop. Clutch adjustment at the engine.. cable dirty.... gummy clutch adjuster inside the case....
 
I don't think the two are related. The heavy pull is usually due to lack of lubrication in the cable and worm gear, and improper cable routing with too tight bends or kinks. The hard-to-find neutral syndrome is sort of a design flaw, in my opinion anyway. The clutch barely has enough plate separation when cold. As things heat up, the plate separation lessens and finding neutral at a stop becomes more difficult. As Mike said, best "fix" is to train yourself to tap it into neutral before you come to a complete stop.
 
Ok... that’s what ai like to hear. I am used to always dropping down to neutral while rolling to a stop. I am used to hydraulic and even slipper clutch pull weight so will be a big adjustment but more worried I cannot find neutral easily regardless of method. Perhaps I misread that people are trying the hydraulic conversions to solve neutral problem rather than merely lighter pull. Thanks for your input. I don’t have the bike yet and did not get a chance to ride the bike prior to buying
(Insurance and rain)
 
THx.
Guess find out first hand in the spring. previous owner rebuilt the tranny as well so wonder if it needs to get it worked in
As well
 
It's always a bit of a dance at stop lights looking for neutral. I found that fresh oil and a properly lubed and adjusted clutch makes a world of difference. In any case, get used to coasting to lights and stop signs in neutral.
 
yes, thanks.. it’s a far cry from my ‘18 Triumph Street Triple RS... so perfect it‘a almost
“boring” lol
 
I have owned several XS650's that would easily find neutral at a stop. One day even after 30+ minutes of stop n go getting out of the Peoria TT Race, neutral remained easy to find. It's in the details.
 
I have owned several XS650's that would easily find neutral at a stop. One day even after 30+ minutes of stop n go getting out of the Peoria TT Race, neutral remained easy to find. It's in the details.
Agreed. It's been my experience that properly set up, neutral is as easy find as any bike. In traffic though, I seldom go to neutral. Texting and driving here is legal. :yikes: I always try and stop with an escape route... in gear ready to move.
 
Agreed. It's been my experience that properly set up, neutral is as easy find as any bike. In traffic though, I seldom go to neutral. Texting and driving here is legal. :yikes: I always try and stop with an escape route... in gear ready to move.

Same here on any bike. I'm only searching for neutral while I'm parking the bike before turning it off, so it's ready to start next time.
 
Same here on any bike. I'm only searching for neutral while I'm parking the bike before turning it off, so it's ready to start next time.

Toronto is a crazy traffic city of 3 million....when you get stuck in stop’n’go traffic here
it’s tough not wanting to free up your hand...of course..I usually am driving in the country but intend drive to work as well....
Thx for your comments though....appreciated
 
how much of the' hard-to-find neutral' issue is due to these components.....
1. weakness of the cam stopper spring,
2. wear on the shift cam stopper
3. wear on the shaft neutral detent (where the stopper sits).
4 weak stopper lever spring

PS.
ahhh looks like 2Ms post might answer my questions ;)
 
Last edited:
ahhh looks like 2Ms investigation answers my questions
Thanks Peanut....appreciate the reinforcement on these issues!

its a gnarly problem for sure. My 79 also suffers with this issue. Luckily I never have to ride bumper to bumper in City traffic so its not such an issue that I've been driven to find a solution. I generally hold the clutch in on 1st for the minute or so it takes me to ride through the local Town or a few sets of lights but I shall be watching this discussion with great interest .:)
 
I had a cam stopper spring break, thought I’d save money and use a spring I had kicking about, not only was the gearchange very notch’s but impossible to find neutral, even on a cold engine.
Unable to live with it I bought a correct spring from Yambits, problem solved, lesson learned.
Don’t be a tight git. English term.
 
A lot of people won't admit to it but I think they do the hydraulic conversion just because it's a cool trick to do.
I agree with others that say a well lubed cable routed right and a well lubed worm along with proper adjustment greatly easers finding neutral.
My 83 works great. It's all stock. My 75 is a bit touchier about adjustment. It has heavier springs, around 40%. I can pull it with two fingers.
Leo
 
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