greenae

Hi all, two questions from proud new '86 450 owner:

1. Buying my first helmet, going for full face. Based on reviews and pocketbook, wanted a Vega Altura (supposedly doesn't whistle as much as AFX). However, Vega's size chart has a bit of a gap in which my head size falls. My measurement is 21.5. Their XS goes up to 21.26 but their S starts at 21.65. I tried on a S and it was too large. Should I risk the XS or will it be too small? Should I be looking at a different helmet line that doesn't have that measurement gap?

2. Has anyone (especially 450 owners) had problems with the first gear not engaging on the first try? Shifting into 1st after being in higher gears (with the clutch in, of course) doesn't always engage my gear -- it's in Neutral even though the Neutral light isn't on. Is this common? Can this be adjusted somehow? As it is, half the time I have to test out whether I'm actually in 1st gear even though I've engaged it with my foot. After letting out the clutch 1/2way and then putting the clutch back in, it will then chunk into 1st gear but why do I have to play the clutch like that to get it to stick?

__________________

maxweljames

I cannot comment on the 450 gearing issue as I drive a 250. But as for helmets, if it fits loose, don't wear it. My rule of thumb is poorly fitting safety equipment can do more damage than not wearing any at all(it's a generalized statement I realize). But a loose helmet can shift while riding, cause vision issues if it rotates, maybe even choke you with the strap. Try the XS if you can, if it's too small I'd look at other brands. Think of it like a wedding ring, if it's too loose it might fall off, if it's too tight it's going to cut the circulation off in your finger. It's got to fit just right, and if your finger fattens up you get the ring resized. Same with a helmet, if you change, naturally or through surgery, you get a new helmet.

__________________
Maxwel James
2003 Honda Rebel

shadetree

Bent clutch fork from someone jumping on it too hard probably. Not much you can do about it other than tearing it down for inspection and or repairs.

__________________

flitecontrol

I would recommend you ride the bike more and try double tapping the shift lever. If you are in first already, it won't move, but if you merely dropped it down to neutral, it should go. I still hit neutral at times when up and down shifting. Nothing wrong with the bike, the operator is just being too light on the pedal!

__________________
I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

shadetree

That could be true also. I would recomend having an experienced rider try it for another opinion. Hadn't thought of that.

__________________

GearJammer

Congrats on your '86 450.........Your clutch problem might be that the clutch simply needs a good clutch adjustment. If you don't have the manuals yet, they'd be a "must have" item......the Clymer's is always available on eBay and on occasion, you can find the OEM Service Manual for your Reb on eBay as well.

__________________
"Ridin' Ain't A Hobby, It's A Lifestyle"

1986 450 Rebel

greenae

Thanks guys! The manual's in the mail. I'll look into clutch adjusting when it comes. I don't know any experienced riders. However, I've tried double and triple tapping -- sometimes it just won't go into first unless I play the clutch like I described above and then try it. I tried a friend's new honda shadow and didn't have that issue so I don't think it's me. Would be easier if it were, though, so I will keep riding and see if it resolves.

__________________
Loving my '86 Rebel 450