1977 Honda 4004/4 Neutral selection.

[Vital Spark]

Hi - New member with neutral selection problems - bike was trailered to MOT and when on brake rollers discovered neutral could only be selected with engine off.
I have not ridden the bike previously as bought without MOT and requiring work - passenger in major a car smash has probably meant I will not ever use it so I am selling same when I fix this problem.
So what is the scenario of engine on but no neutral? Easily selected by hand for 1st or 2nd.
Thanking you in anticipation,
Richard.

[Nurse Julie]

Hi Richard. Welcome to the forum.
From my experience it sounds like a clutch problem. Try putting on centre stand, spin back wheel and try and select neutral that way. If the bike has been sat around not being used, it may be the clutch plates stuck together.
Julie

[Vital Spark]

Thanks for that Julie - no centre stand but twice when I have hauled it out of the garage the clutch has been siezed - easily freed without stripping and selects 1st with usual clunk and slight drop in revs therby indicating plates are free?
Best regards,
Richard.

[Nurse Julie]

No centre stand !!! So, it could still be the plates, or the cable that is seized?. I don't get a drop in revs or a clunk when engaging 1st on my 400/4

[Bryanj]

I agree with the nurse, you have got clutch drag, although it is always easier to get neutral when moving

[Vital Spark]

Thanks for that folks - stripped out clutch today and met with rusty/seized
 bearing on clutch rod end plus plates in a gooey mess of rust and oil.
Looks like it must have been condensation as drained oil is clean - possibly been changed by previous owner after rusting had occurred.
Whatever - have cleaned plates etc and awaiting new bearing before reassembly.
Thanks again,
Richard.

[Trigger]

When fitting new plates, always soak in oil for 24 hours to give them some sort of chance 

[paul G]

I also had a great tip which improved mine.
On the metal plates they have a rounded side on the outer edge and a sharp side where they have been stamped out.
ALLWAYS make sure they are the same way around on all the plates, I do mine inwards but was told it doesn't make that mush difference if they are in or out.