Transmission - false neutrals

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

False neutrals are normal. However, they can be reduced in a few ways.

• Properly adjust the clutch cable...starting at the lever at the back of the transmission and moving forward to the handlebar lever. Always maintain the proper amount of free play at the hand lever (¹⁄₈ inch as specified in the manuals).
• Eliminate slop in the shift linkage. A little slop translates into a loss of movement of shift dogs inside the transmission. Check out the shift linkage sections for a few ways to eliminate it:
  • Shift linkage bushings
  • Shift linkage - footboards and a 5 speed transmission
  • Shift linkage - foot pegs and a 4 speed transmission
• Shift properly. There is a technique that must be used. Check out the Transmission - shifting technique section to learn the technique.
• Shim the shift drum. This is best done when you have the transmission out for other reasons. No need to bother with this unless things get really bad. Check out the Transmission - Shimming the shift drum section for some info on the subject.