False Neutral

A false neutral happens when a gear change isn't completed and the gearbox ends up between two gears, often between fourth and fifth or fifth and sixth. The engine suddenly revs freely, the bike loses drive and the neutral light usually stays off.

The common cause is a short, hesitant movement of the gear lever. Badly adjusted shift linkage, worn shift forks or selector components, or a lever set at the wrong height can make it happen more often.

To recover, close the throttle, pull in the clutch and firmly select the gear again. Make each shift with a deliberate, full lever movement. If false neutrals become frequent, have the linkage and gearbox selector checked.