problem finding neutral - carbed 900

[sofadriver]

I have a really hard time finding neutral on my carby 900 SS. It's really a PITA. 

This is not a "shifting technique" issue. I've tried all different ways.
It's not a slave cylinder or "bleeding" problem, either. All is good.

Before I pull the left sidecase I'd like to check the ball and spring that positions the shifter in the neutral detent. I know they are under the threaded plug at the rear. But, I'm wondering what's going to happen when I pull that plug. Any chance of that ball falling in? Anyone got a pic or drawing of that assembly?

Thanks.

[sofadriver]

just found a pic
#s 9 & 10
http://www.ducatimcparts.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_product=3494689&ukey_assembly=443708&ukey_make=1051&ukey_model=0&ukey_driveline=0&ukey_trimlevel=0&modelYear=0

[Speeddog]

If you can easily find netral with engine off, but difficult when running, that's a clutch drag issue.

Air in the system, warped or damaged plates.

How many miles on the clutch plates, and the basket?

[sofadriver]

If you can easily find netral with engine off, but difficult when running, that's a clutch drag issue.

Hmmmm........... I've discussed this at length on the SS forum but never looked at it that way. Makes sense.

OK, here's the new plan;
-Pull the clutch and check for warping. (mileage on plates unknown)
-Replace the banjo bolt at the master with one with a bleed screw. Can you recommend a top-quality one?
-Replace the pressure plate bearing (19,000 miles I assume). I've found one that just happens to have a gorgeous pressure plate wrapped around it.  http://www.motovationusa.com/mvstore/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=482

My slave cyl. is aftermarket (can't recall the brand). Most of those are a little higher in volume to make the clutch pull easier. Seems to me that might reduce the clutch rod travel, too. Is that correct?

[Speeddog]

My recommendation is to do the free stuff first.

Pull the clutch lever, and watch the pressure plate.
How far does it move?

Larger diameter slave cylinders reduce lever effort *and* travel.
Sometimes with an adjustable lever set close to the bar, there's not enough travel.

[Speeddog]

Also, given the vintage of your SS, I wouldn't be surprised if the primary piston seal in the master is shot.

[motoxmann]

If you can easily find netral with engine off, but difficult when running, that's a clutch drag issue.

Air in the system, warped or damaged plates.

How many miles on the clutch plates, and the basket?

x2
in my experience with all things two-wheeled, 90% of the time this occurs it's due to a worn clutch basket. grooves get worn into the basket, and even when you pull the clutch lever the plates still get held together a bit due to the positioning of the grooves in the basket, and the plates trying to stay in the lowest point of the grooves.

also, a bleeder at the master I think would be fairly pointless. the bleeder at the slave is all you need