Hawk 250 Neutral Issue

[HELLBENT]

Just got my 2021 Hawk 250 about 2 weeks ago. It's only got about 50 miles on it so far and except for a few small issues I'm loving it.

From day 1 It's had a hard time going into neutral while running. Especially from 1st to neutral, 2nd is a little bit easier. It goes to neutral while off with no issues. The longer it run/warmer it gets the harder to go to neutral. Shifting all the other gears works perfect.

Anything tips?

[JerseyTBR7]

It gets better as it breaks in. Likely in another 400 miles it will be fine for you. Mine did.

[JerryHawk250]

Does get better with miles but also adjusting the clutch wit minimal free play also helps. Should be about 1/8" of free play in the lever.

[franque]

Additionally, this is just a part of the design that they were based on... I've ridden quite a few Hondas (this motor comes from the same engine family as the XR200/CRF230) and they all do it. The easiest way to find neutral, even when properly broken in, with the clutch properly adjusted, is to shift from 2nd to neutral while rolling to a stop. They don't like to go into neutral unless they're moving, even with everything done right.

[stewbrash]

Or...you could trade it in for a Bashan...just kidding! It'll loosen up after a few miles!

[Badluck]

I wouldn't sweat it too much. I have to stick my tongue out just right to get it into neutral, and especially under 500 miles mine would occasionally go into a false neutral. The green 'N' is lit, but if I release the clutch it starts putting power to the rear wheel.

When I come to a light or stop sign I have the clutch pulled in, and am in first with my right foot on the brake and left foot on the ground.

I only pop it into neutral when I'm parking it

[HELLBENT]

Originally Posted by Badluck

I wouldn't sweat it too much. I have to stick my tongue out just right to get it into neutral, and especially under 500 miles mine would occasionally go into a false neutral. The green 'N' is lit, but if I release the clutch it starts putting power to the rear wheel.

When I come to a light or stop sign I have the clutch pulled in, and am in first with my right foot on the brake and left foot on the ground.

I only pop it into neutral when I'm parking it

Sounds just like mine. Good to know.

[HELLBENT]

Originally Posted by stewbrash

Or...you could trade it in for a Bashan...just kidding! It'll loosen up after a few miles!

My buddy has the bsr raven. I like it a lot, not quite as peppy as my hawk. Somethings I like better on his and some I like better on mine. I have the raven seat on mine, way better than the hawks.

[J4Fun]

Originally Posted by franque

Additionally, this is just a part of the design that they were based on... I've ridden quite a few Hondas (this motor comes from the same engine family as the XR200/CRF230) and they all do it. The easiest way to find neutral, even when properly broken in, with the clutch properly adjusted, is to shift from 2nd to neutral while rolling to a stop. They don't like to go into neutral unless they're moving, even with everything done right.

Franque makes a great point here, unless they're moving! To me it is alll about moving or fishing for neutral and that's easy to do

[Baby Huey]

My Hawk is like this as well and I've ridden many bikes over the years that you have to move the bike a little to get them into neutral. Everything from Hondas to Harleys. Not uncommon at all.