Why is neutral between 5th and 6th??

im not really saying that neutral is between 5th and 6th but sometimes when i am shifting from 5th to 6th or 4th to 5th it doesn't go into gear. it doesn't go into neutral because i can pull the clutch in and pop up the lever and ill be in 6th gear. i think it might just be me not hitting the shifter hard enough but i wanted to see if anyone else has had this problem. also at low speeds i hear what sounds to be small rocks hitting plastic. it almost sounds like road debris flying off the front tire and hitting the fairing/fender. It is really hard to explain but it is definitely coming from the front and it only happens when i am moving. any ideas?

'99 vfr800 with 9000 miles.

 

1. most probably your shift star and shifter detent are not fully engaging resulting in a false neutral. The "cure" is a factory pro shift kit ($90 or so) if it's persistent
2. if it's not persistent, an oil change (to a different brand than you are using) may help
3. pray you dont have a bent shift dog

 

its not persistent. it only happens once a week, and i ride almost every day. i have recently changed my oil to Honda pro gn4. also i looked up the shift kit. its $200 for the vfr800.

 

no, you only need the spring and the shift detent arm, ask FP if they sell the kit that way (like they do on all the other VFRs). It's usually $89.

 

Sounds like a loose chain problem. Check and adjust chain tension.

 

i sure hope its that simple. to be honest i know my chain is loose but i am waiting for my new front sprocket to come in. then i will change the sprocket clean the chain and rear sprocket and make sure the chain is adjusted properly. i didnt think the chain could do that but ill take your advice. thanks.

 

The phenomenon is called a "false neutral"

 

do you have the time to explain to me how this happens?

 

Jake,

Often a "false neutral" happens when the rider does not preload the shift lever when shifting up in gears.
This is what I learned to do when I was racing because it made for very quick and smooth shifting.
Simply lift your toe up slighty before you shift but not too much. You could choose to use or not use your clutch lever.
Fast and smooth shifts is what you need to strive for.
Downshifts are smooth if you blip the throttle just enough to make the transition in RPMs perfect.
Practice Practice Practice

 

If your bike has a centerstand, adjusting the chain takes maybe five minutes. You may find not changing both sprockets and the chain is a false economy. Many online parts suppliers have kits that include all three parts. Try preloading but do adjust that chain ASAP. There is a technique for upshifting without using the clutch. There are several theories on this. IMO don't even try it unless you fully understand how and why it works. Even more specifically, what is not used is the clutch lever. The clutch is still active ie spinning.

My two-bits says it's mostly the chain being loose.