Intermittent neutral light

[Matt Chapter]

So every once in a while, my neutral light will come on with the clutch lever in, while in gear.  Usually this is right at start up, so I figured it was a function of the cold engine, but several times it's lasted the whole ride, maybe 15 miles.

Is the most likely culprit the neutral switch, and is the best course of action to replace it?  I'm nearing miles / 5000 = 0, so I want to figure out my course of action.

[Bob_Roller]

If the neutral light comes on with the clutch lever in and the transmission in gear it could be a diode in the starter relay .

If the light stays on all the time, most likely it's the neutral switch .

Another remote possibility, is insulation on one of the wires for the neutral switch has come off and the bare conductor is touching the engine or transmission case .

[montmil]

Check for a bare wire contacting the case. Two wires on the neutral switch. Hope that's all it is. A booger to change out.

[Matt Chapter]

Yes, the neutral light would go out when the clutch lever is released.. kinda gives a little "Huh?" in the ol' pea brain when you're flying down the road and shift from 4th to 5th and see the neutral light pop on for a second...

[Bob_Roller]

You don't have what year bike you have in your profile .

The first generation bikes had the diode in the wiring harness, 'somewhere', the second generation bikes have the diode in the starter relay .

It's not a difficult fix, if you know how to use a soldering iron .

The diode is available at stores like Radio Shack for a dollar or two, a common 1N4001 will work .

If you do replace it, mind the direction the diode was installed, there should be a silver line at one end, make sure the replacement is the same .