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Active Member
Neutral at Stop Lights?
Just a quick question. I'm new to the Spyder community and had an observation and a solution that I wanted to confirm with y'all. I've been riding the Spyder for about 2 weeks now. I noticed when I stop at a stop light with the bike in gear, after a minute or so I'd smell what smelled like a clutch slipping. I decided when I do come to a stop light, I shift into neutral and wait for the light to change, then shift into first. Since doing this, I haven't noticed the smell. I looked in the owners manual but it really didn't give any information. Also, a quick search on this forum didn't indicate one way or the other (unless my search fu isn't). Is shifting into neutral when stopped the correct technique? Thanks...
John
2018 Silverado LTZ 3500HD CC LB 4X4 DRW Duramax/Allison
2019 Grand Design Momentum 381M w/Full Body Paint
2016 Can Am Spyder F3 Limited Special Series
MSgt, USAF (Ret)
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Originally Posted by Ready2Retire
Just a quick question. I'm new to the Spyder community and had an observation and a solution that I wanted to confirm with y'all. I've been riding the Spyder for about 2 weeks now. I noticed when I stop at a stop light with the bike in gear, after a minute or so I'd smell what smelled like a clutch slipping. I decided when I do come to a stop light, I shift into neutral and wait for the light to change, then shift into first. Since doing this, I haven't noticed the smell. I looked in the owners manual but it really didn't give any information. Also, a quick search on this forum didn't indicate one way or the other (unless my search fu isn't). Is shifting into neutral when stopped the correct technique? Thanks...
John
John, I have had my 2016 F3 Limited for 3 yrs now. Never shifted into N at stop, no smells, no problems. Can't say it is a known problem.
Bob
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Very Active Member
One cycle at a stop light should not be a reason to go to neutral. Have not experienced smells associated with the clutch.
If I get stuck in a parking lot situation, with a long wait, then I will either go to neutral or shut it off.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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Very Active Member
It's just not a good riding practice to put your bike in neutral. You should be ready to go if the light changes or someone behind you doesn't stop. Is your bike an SM6 or an SE6. I could see the manual clutch dragging if it needs bled. But the semi-auto shouldn't drag unless there is a problem. It is not normal.
2016 F3 Limited
2019 Ryker Rally
2014 Suzuki V Strom 650
2020 CSC TT 250
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Very Active Member
Whatever you are smelling, its not the clutch. The Spyder has a wet clutch. You would not smell it burning as it would be in the oil and the clutch is not vented to let any smells out, all crankcase vapors go to the oil tank and PCV system. What you are likely smelling is the belt breaking in.
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Very Active Member
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Active Member
Originally Posted by Highwayman2013
It's just not a good riding practice to put your bike in neutral. You should be ready to go if the light changes or someone behind you doesn't stop. Is your bike an SM6 or an SE6. I could see the manual clutch dragging if it needs bled. But the semi-auto shouldn't drag unless there is a problem. It is not normal.
That's a very good point Highwayman, I'd thought about that but you're right, it is probably more dangerous than I gave it credit for. It's the SE6.
Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911
X's 10 ..... this is a dangerous practice ..... something large can come at you from any direction and being able to move quickly is something you want to be able to do .... Mike
Ditto what I said above... Thanks Mike.
John
2018 Silverado LTZ 3500HD CC LB 4X4 DRW Duramax/Allison
2019 Grand Design Momentum 381M w/Full Body Paint
2016 Can Am Spyder F3 Limited Special Series
MSgt, USAF (Ret)
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Active Member
Originally Posted by jcthorne
Whatever you are smelling, its not the clutch. The Spyder has a wet clutch. You would not smell it burning as it would be in the oil and the clutch is not vented to let any smells out, all crankcase vapors go to the oil tank and PCV system. What you are likely smelling is the belt breaking in.
That's one I hadn't considered. It could be the belt breaking in as the bike only has about 750 miles on it. When I bought it, it only had 370 miles on it. It's not a strong smell, more of a whiff or a hint. When I drive a manual vehicle, I got in the habit of shifting to neutral and releasing the clutch to save wear and tear on the throw out bearing. I guess that's apples to oranges though.
John
2018 Silverado LTZ 3500HD CC LB 4X4 DRW Duramax/Allison
2019 Grand Design Momentum 381M w/Full Body Paint
2016 Can Am Spyder F3 Limited Special Series
MSgt, USAF (Ret)
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Active Member
Ready2retire If you were to go to a MSF rider training course they tell you always keep your bike in gear and always have an escape route. In case a cage does not stop in time you have a chance to get away. Always ride smart and ride safe. Have fun with your F3 LTD.
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Very Active Member
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Very Active Member
Neutral at stop lights........ never. I can take my foot off the brake with it in gear and it will not creep. 2019 F-3S.
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