n00b question about the Transmission

I am new to motorcycle riding and am taking the safety course offered here in Minnesota, but I wanted to practice before the classes started. so here is my question, I notice that when I start out in First gear (up once on the shifter) that I have A LOT of trouble finding Netural again? What am I doing wrong? I can eventually find it again but it takes like 2 minutes of shifting through the gears to get back to it, so I know its operator error.

 

Neutral is only a half shift between first and second. Push too hard and it goes right through. Otherwise you'd end up in Neutral going first to second while riding.

Also my bike is down 1st up N 2,3,4,5. Maybe just want to verify that. I know some bikes are backwards.

 

Tell us what kind of bike it is and include a picture if possible, like iwing said, most bikes are 1 down and then 3, 4, or 5 up. You can count them in your head until you get used to the bike, but then you'll be able to tell just by the sound of the engine what gear you are in. Also, depending on the type of bike there should be a little green "Idiot" light up around the gauges that should come on when the bike is in neutral.
Like I said, try and get a couple of pics up or at least tell us what the bike is: year, make, model, cc's.
Also, good for you for taking the safety course, a lot of younger guys figure because they've ridden off road or had mini bikes since they were kids that they can just go jump on a bike and go. Those courses give you invaluable information and sometimes a discount on insurance, which is always a good thing!
Good luck and keep us informed about your progress and welcome to the Forum!

 

It's NOT just operator error, your clutch is dragging slightly. It doesn't take much for neutral to be hard to find.

 

While slowing for a red light, downshift into second gear, slow to about 10 MPH, then just ease the shifter down some, not an aggressive shift.
What you are fighting is a little clutch drag and maybe old oil?? keeping tranny parts from sliding nicely while stopped.
If you're new to XJ's, look at my sig line, and Welcome to the site !!

 

Thanks for the responses. I had the direction backwards in my head. It took me taking the bike out onto the rod where I could shift through the gears before I figured out. Like I said n00b question. Thanks guys.