Neutral at Stop Lights?

[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

[RNBOB]

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

[ARtraveler]

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.

[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.

[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.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

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.

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

[Ready2Retire]

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.

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

[Ready2Retire]

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

[tntnj]

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.

[Rattlebars]

Weellll. the logical thinking is that you are stopped and the smell from your engine is now available to your nose when it's not while moving. At stop lights I will sometimes engage the parking brake on a steep incline. When I got my F3T, I made the mistake of going on my maiden voyage with a bunch of Harley guys and my Spyder caught the disease. Upon arriving home, my pants and shoes were covered in oil and the bike stunk. Took it back to the dealer and they found several bad seals which they supposedly fixed. Took 2 weeks ! After another week of riding, the problem came back only to be a fitting that was loose. Took another 2 weeks ! Meanwhile, all my under body trays got full of oil so back it went for a clean up. To make this germane, it stunk at lights until all the oil was dried, drained or cleaned from the under body and no more leaks were found.

(PS) I have never taken it back to the dealer again. Especially that one.

[Gwolf]

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.