2 Q's

[Techrecruit]

I've got an 05' Ridgeback pretty much stock other than exhuast and sissy bar.
It's nearly impossible to get the bike in neutral when the bike is standing still (while running). It goes into neutral fine when not running so i'm assuming the vibration is what is playing hell with it. Usually I just try and baby into neutral on my way up to the stop sign if I know i'm going to have to sit for a while. Big pain in the arse. Any thoughts?

2nd Question:
I went out for a short ride today and when I got out of the neighborhood I looked down and the speedometer isn't working. I don't see any cables hanging loose anywhere but it's tough to trace it from the back of the speedo. Where does the other end lead to so I can check it? Also any thoughts on this?

Really sux b/c the bike has been great to me the last few years with no problems whatsoever.

Thanks in advance for any help
Kevin

 

[sh8kr]

1. Have you checked the clutch? Since the problem is only while running, I would check the adjustment 1st if it is not Hydraulic.
2. The speedometer is an electronic pickup and you shoud see a molded plug on the top right(close to clutch mechanism) of the trans. There are 2 wires attached in a sheath so it may be difficult to see the wires.

 

[Dawgboy]

2nd Question:
I went out for a short ride today and when I got out of the neighborhood I looked down and the speedometer isn't working.

Try cycling power. Mine did that once. Hit the stop button, cycled the key switch and hit start. Been fine since.

 

[stlmikie]

The neutral thing. Rev it a couple hundred rpm and it will fall right in.

 

[KnotSo]

Please use SEARCH when looking for an answer.

Here ya go: http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/technical/386-help-neutral.html#post4468

 

[Techrecruit]

sorry i started focusing on searching out for speedo problems and kept coming up with threads about changing them out and nothing about them just stopping working.

I originally was going to just post about that b/c that was what i searched on and then during the post I thought i'd throw in the neutral q

 

[dingo]

stlmikie and Dawgboy are correct....

rev up about 500 rpms and it should shift into neutral pretty easily and

if your engine does not start right up cleanly, sometimes the tach loses power during the startup and will then need to be reset by shutting the bike down and resetting it through the normal startup / speedo sweep process.

Hope this helps...

 

[P8RIOT]

Your 2005 may be a bit too old, but if you have the USB end on your EHC cord (like the one on the right, below), you can get a new software load for it that is designed to eliminate the occasional powerup problem. The dealer has to do it.

 

[cain]

Speedo is an easy fix (providing it's all hooked up), I had the same issue with mine and was pretty close to having it replaced. Apparently the issue is a voltage requirement problem. As long as I leave my dog hooked to a trickle charge when sitting in the garage, I never have an issue with the speedo. If it sits w/o being riden for a few days, it has a mind of it's own. Typically the speedo won't function correctly, but after a couple of miles I can shut it down, start it back up, and the speedo will function correctly. Tie your dog to a leash (ie trickle charger) when you have her sitting and your problem will probably just go away. Beats me, I guess that jst the way they are made. If that doesn't do it for you, you might need a new one.

 

[P8RIOT]

Speedo is an easy fix (providing it's all hooked up), I had the same issue with mine and was pretty close to having it replaced. Apparently the issue is a voltage requirement problem. As long as I leave my dog hooked to a trickle charge when sitting in the garage, I never have an issue with the speedo. If it sits w/o being riden for a few days, it has a mind of it's own. Typically the speedo won't function correctly, but after a couple of miles I can shut it down, start it back up, and the speedo will function correctly. Tie your dog to a leash (ie trickle charger) when you have her sitting and your problem will probably just go away. Beats me, I guess that jst the way they are made. If that doesn't do it for you, you might need a new one.

Cain, yours should never do that in the first place - have your EHC flashed, and it will never be a problem.

Good advice though, on the Battery Tender - if you're not riding, it should be plugged in.

 

[KnotSo]

Techrecruit, we applaud you for using the SEARCH function before posting. :2thumbs:
So many log in here, and with not even the ever so courteous and Respectful INTRO, go straight to asking a question that may have been covered in great detail allready.

This is a topic that comes up with almost every new BDM rider.

Enjoy your scoot and hope to ride with you someday.

 

[Techrecruit]

Thanks to all for the quick tips. I got on th rback yesterday morning and had the same issue with the speedo. I pulled over on the side of the road and powered cycled the bike down/up and took off and the speedo starting working as advertised.
Rolling on the throttle a little to get into neutral worked like a charm as well.

THUMBS UP guys!

Maybe their should be an unofficial owners manual. Instead of things like "to start the motorcycle flip switch to run" maybe you could have flip switch to run, then lean your head to the left then throttle to 2k rpm then close one eye and it will start. Kinda funny that these bikes seem to be really well built but have a few quirky oddoties to figure out.