can't find neutral

Can anyone tell me exactly what causes the dreaded can't find neutral issue? I installed new clutch discs, wire wheeled the plates, installed new shifter springs, new Mike's xs bearing and the clutch doesn't disengage correctly and can't find neutral(will shift directly to 2nd or down to first). I've gone through the great xs 650 clutch document and checked everything and I'm stumped. Thanks in advance

Not finding neutral is usually an adjusmnt issue.
Since you have had yours torn apart I'd make sure that all the washers and bits that stack up in the clutch basket are there and were put back in their proper order.

Yes, it may be an adjustment issue. Set the adjustment when cold. Most of us run it pretty snug (cold). It's OK because more freeplay naturally develops as the motor heats up and the cases expand.

Could also check the neutral detent spring?

Try this
Redneck Hillbilly Mechanics department

Correct oil .
Put on solid footwear.
Adjust on the mechanism on the sidecover.
Put bike on central stand
Start it.
Put it in 1 st gear. If the clutch is to tight it will be noticed clonking + wheel spinning
Let the clutch out .. wheel starts to spin ..
Pull in the clutch try to stop the wheel with the foot against the tyre.
If that is impossible adjust the clutch .
Adjust until it seems working ..Less clonking less wheel spin ...some might be there.
Of course checking that neutral goes in ..
If you go to far it will slip out on the road
After you think it is adjusted take it out for a spin .. Give it some throttle see if it is slipping
Out on the road
Gloves + the wrench ( is it 13 mm don't remember ) and the Screwdriver JIS standard
Do more adjustment fine tuning. At the roadside.
Since this is fine-tuning ..The 2 tools can be taken with you in the beginning Finding something that works for you.
If the driving style is more relaxed the adjustment can be adapted to that
Or aggressive another setting .
On warm days ..it helps finding neutral before Standstill.