downshifting from first to neutral

[cohoff]

i purchased a 2012 RT SE5 a month ago. i just took it in for my first 600 mile oil change and warranty check. i always have trouble getting it from first into neutral when i'm stopped and trying to park it. i keep tapping the downshift and nothing happens. i've tried stepping on the brake and tapping the downshift paddle and nothing. i've ended up having to go into reverse and then bump it back up to neutral.

i asked the dealership to check this out during its warranty check and they said that everything is fine. has anyone else had this problem with getting into neutral? i cant figure out why i cant get it into neutral from first.

thank you

 

[harrypottar]

Just as a point of reference my SE5 goes in to neutral with no issues. Did it do it at the dealership or did it go into neutral just fine?

harry

 

[Campverdefela]

I sometimes have trouble getting to neutral from reverse. I have learned that when it doesn't seem to want to go into neutral I just have to give it a little throttle allowing it to move some and then try again, this does it for me.

 

[billybovine]

Let's try easiest solution first. When shifting from 1st to neutral, if you hold the shift button too long it will not shift. The reason being press and hold is for shifting from 1st to reverse and since the reverse button is not pressed it does nothing at all. It is in the owners manual but not at all clear.

 

[SpyderDen]

You don't need to park in neutral. The Spyder will shift into neutral upon restart.

 

[jerpinoy]

Its a learning process. I never had any problem on my 2012 Spyder SE5. Try from 1st just tap the front paddle like for reverse without holding the reverse button. If this will not solve your issue take it to your dealer and have them show you how they do it.

 

[cohoff]

thank you for all the replies. i do just tap it quickly and it doesnt go into neutral. i thought i had to put it into neutral to park it as it will beep at me if i dont.

the dealer is 130 miles from me and i'm picking my spyder up tomorrow. i will have him show me how he does it. i just wanted to have some background from you so i could discuss it with him. i do appreciate all the input.

 

[spyryder]

Are you downshifting or upshifting? I believe neutral is between 1st and 2nd?

 

[Hberninger]

When I got my RT SE5, the dealer told me that you must "double click" to get from 1st to neural. He said that was to help keep you from shifting into to neutral accidentally at a light (for those of us who down-shift on our own to use engine braking).

 

[billybovine]

Beep

thank you for all the replies. i do just tap it quickly and it doesnt go into neutral. i thought i had to put it into neutral to park it as it will beep at me if i dont.

the dealer is 130 miles from me and i'm picking my spyder up tomorrow. i will have him show me how he does it. i just wanted to have some background from you so i could discuss it with him. i do appreciate all the input.

If you shut it off without the parking brake set, a SE5 will beep at you. Because it will roll away if you don't. It has nothing to do with what gear it's in.

 

[billybovine]

When I got my RT SE5, the dealer told me that you must "double click" to get from 1st to neural. He said that was to help keep you from shifting into to neutral accidentally at a light (for those of us who down-shift on our own to use engine braking).

Hey that's a new one. Sometimes dealers say the funniest things

 

[Gunkandpudge]

DOWN SHIFTING / UP SHIFTING

For the past 6 months my spyder has had trouble moving from reverse to first especially when I'm in a hurray cause I'm backing into a street side parking place. It may take as many as 6 pushes on the shifter. Almost forgot, it is an RT 2010, SE-5. I've spoken to the dealer but he said he could find nothing wrong when they last looked at it. I've just learned to live with it, cause I love the bike.:shocked:

 

[cohoff]

picked up my spyder this afternoon and it goes into neutral with no problem now. the only thing the mechanic could think of was that maybe the lubricity of the break-in oil was the problem. it was an enjoyable ride home......didnt realize how much i missed it this past week until i was on it again.

i want to thank all of you who replied and offered advice.

 

[Babyblue]

When I first got Little Girl, I had this problem also. Found I needed a lighter touch and to use the very tip of the shifter. My dealer mentioned a to high RPM also.

Hope this helps.

 

[Blue Star]

the only thing the mechanic could think of was that maybe the lubricity of the break-in oil was the problem.

:agree: While I had no problems with going into neutral, or any other gear. I did notice that my shifting of gears was smoother after my 600 mile service.

 

[Dudley]

For the past 6 months my spyder has had trouble moving from reverse to first especially when I'm in a hurray cause I'm backing into a street side parking place. It may take as many as 6 pushes on the shifter. Almost forgot, it is an RT 2010, SE-5. I've spoken to the dealer but he said he could find nothing wrong when they last looked at it. I've just learned to live with it, cause I love the bike.:shocked:

Just push and hold the shifter a few seconds. It will end up in 1st.

 

[bertmc]

Best to park in neutral

You don't need to park in neutral. The Spyder will shift into neutral upon restart.

Lamonster reminded me very emphatically that you should always park SE5 in neutral. Leaving it in gear does not prevent it from rolling, and if your battery goes dead you will not be able to get it out of gear to move it.

 

[Dudley]

Lamonster reminded me very emphatically that you should always park SE5 in neutral. Leaving it in gear does not prevent it from rolling, and if your battery goes dead you will not be able to get it out of gear to move it.

Leaving it in gear has nothing to do with keeping it from rolling. That is what your parking brake is for. I had an SE5 for 2 years and never stopped it in Neutral. Maybe Lamont told you that because many riders never read their owner's manual and have no clue how to start it if it's not in neutral. But, you can do what you want, it's your machine.

 

[currin20fan]

Lamont

Lamonster reminded me very emphatically that you should always park SE5 in neutral. Leaving it in gear does not prevent it from rolling, and if your battery goes dead you will not be able to get it out of gear to move it.

Lamont told me this also when I was at the BBQ in September. I had no idea and I have parked in neutral ever since.