1998 Big Bear - Won't shift to neutral

[MarkinAR 27]

So this 98 Big Bear is my new project.  While I'm waiting on a few parts to show up, I'm working on a few small things.  I can shift 1-5 just fine, no problem at all (keep in mind, this is not running yet so just manual shifting sitting still).  However, I can't shift from 1-neutral.  I can hold down on the foot shifter, rock it a bit, and it will disengage the clutch so i can push it around in neutral as long as I keep pushing down on the shifter.  However, it will not downshift to neutral and stay there.  I know BB's have had some shifting difficulties in the past, but before I dive into this, have any of you fine folks encountered the same issue?  I'm tempted to just adjust the linkage a bit since these have an external linkage, but thought I'd toss the question to the group and see if there are any common issues to look for.

Thanks guys...

[Frank Angerano 642]

I would hold off until you have it running and see what happens.  If that thing sat it could be just a matter of getting things moving in the gearbox.   

[MarkinAR 27]

That was my original thought but the guy did tell me when he was still riding it he had issues getting it to reverse and then neutral. Sounds like things are just a bit out of adjustment. Should have parts in by the weekend to hear it run and then go from there. 

[Frank Angerano 642]

Sounds good. Hopefully it’s just a matter of adjustments.   Nothing worse then waiting on parts! 

[MarkinAR 27]

Never did get time to work on this Big Bear.  Sold it off with the parts I had rounded up.  Think i ended up making $20 on it after sitting untouched in the garage for 3 months so can't complain.