1999 Yamaha Big Bear 350 Can’t Get Into Neutral

[Muskyjim]

I recently purchased a 99 big bear 350 2x4 that was sitting for a while got it running and went to take it for a ride after about 10 minutes into the ride it stalled and wouldn't let me shift down into neutral tried rocking it back and forth but will not go into neutral...can anyone point me in the right direction on where to start?

[Ajmboy]

I moved your post out of the good morning topic into its own. Worst case scenario it’s stuck in gear because something locked up. Usually rocking it like you did would let you get it into neutral. So it’s semi auto? Shift foot peg? Can you go up or down into any gears? 

[Muskyjim]

Yes it's semi auto

[Muskyjim]

Yes it's semi auto...will let me go up but not down

[MarkinAR]

If it's like the older big bear i had, there is a linkage adjustment on the shifter.  For some reason the shifter and clutch adjustment are on the left side on some Yamahas.  Might adjust the linkage so it's a bit tighter and see if that does it.  Then try clutch adjustment.  If all of the above fails, I'd lean towards a shifter fork worn smooth out and need replacing.

But this is all just guessing though to give you something to troubleshoot.

Can you push the shifter down and hold it and get it to disengage gear?  I had one do that once.  Never got into it though to work on it.  Ended up selling it as is.

[Scottychip]

Hi MarkinAR, my 1992 Big Bear does that sometime, usually when it is cold.

Could you or another member explain how to adjust the shifter and the clutch as well as the linkage?

Anything else we should look for?