Neurtral Light

[oldbiker]

Hi Everyone,
 It has been a wonderful summer for biking. I have a small problem with my `83 r65ls. The neutral light fails to light sometimes when the neutral gear is selected. It will not start when it is in this condition unless I pull the clutch. It is not preventing me from travelling but I would appreciate advice on where to start and solve this.

Best wishes to everyone

Old Biker

[Bob_Roller]

Most likely the neutral light switch that's located on the bottom of the transmission has gone bad .

Chances are good, that it is seeping gear oil as well !!!!

[montmil]

Most likely the neutral light switch that's located on the bottom of the transmission has gone bad. Chances are good, that it is seeping gear oil as well !!!!

Just like mine! Motobins sell an all-brass repop neutral switch -Italian made- that is superior to the plastic and aluminum OEM part. Less money, too.

Monte

[Justin B.]

If this bike has sat for a long time it may limber up with use.  My '81 R100 had sat for several years before I got it and rebuilt it and at first the neutral light never came on, and after I rode it for a while it gradually started coming on more frequently until it finally worked properly.

Just sayin'...

[oldbiker]

Justin`,  I think you have hit the nail on the head. I have been using my Norton most of the summer and will stay with Bmw now for the winter. I have a lot of miles done of late and I notice the light has started  to work properly while the engine is running. Still it does not come on first in the morning until the motor is started  with the  clutch engaged. A little more loosening up and it may be ok.  I will buy one in Motobins or Motoworks for about £14 + postage. I dont intend to be off the road to do this until we get some snow around Christmas.
Thanks to Montmil and Rob  for the advice. I really enjoy the site and log on practically every night.

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Oldbiker,

You also need to check the ground on the LH side of the Tranny.  It is a brown wire that has a ring connector at the bolt just forward of the gearshift mechanism.  Trace this ground back through its connectors and make sure you don't have intermittent continuity.  Without this ground, the neutral light and switch (even a new one) will not work and you will have to continue to pull in the clutch lever to start the bike.

Good Luck.