Shifting into first gear

[Bayouboy]

Another newbie question.

After start up, when you put the bike in first gear, is it normal for the transmission to engage hard? I hope this is enough info. Once I'm rolling, the bike is really smooth shifting. Should I be concerned?

Thanks in advance.

[Marker]

all SE transmission shift hard from N to 1st gear

[Bayouboy]

Thanks!

I feel like such a dummy asking some of these questions.

[Spin]

Thanks!

I feel like such a dummy asking some of these questions.

That was something I noticed when I picked up my RT last month but the dealer assured me it was normal.

[Bob Denman]

It's "Norbal"...

Ride More Worry Less.jpg

[d.o.spyder-rts]

it's normal and to the spyder web. Dale

[Fatcycledaddy]

It's normal, but it still makes me think it is going to wreck something every time it does it. Then I parked next to my friend Harley, and when he shifted into first it clunked just about as loud.
18,000 miles in two riding seasons without a single problem or any trips to the shop, and loving every minute of it.

[Bayouboy]

I'm a new owner, and let me say this, I have learned a lot so far from this forum. I've noticed that the people on here don't hesitate to answer questions without passing judgment no matter how "rookie" the questions may sound. Thank you for that. I hope to be able to answer questions one day.

[Bob Denman]

I'm a new owner, and let me say this, I have learned a lot so far from this forum. I've noticed that the people on here don't hesitate to answer questions without passing judgment no matter how "rookie" the questions may sound. Thank you for that. I hope to be able to answer questions one day.

Don't stop asking questions, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you start learning all kinds of stuff...

[newbert]

I'm a new owner, and let me say this, I have learned a lot so far from this forum. I've noticed that the people on here don't hesitate to answer questions without passing judgment no matter how "rookie" the questions may sound. Thank you for that. I hope to be able to answer questions one day.

As another newbie around here (not an owner yet), I've noticed exactly the same thing about the forums here. Just wanted to add my thanks to everyone for that! It's not something that you commonly find on the internet.

[Pirate looks at --]

"It's Just The Normal Noises in here!" And welcome to Spyder Lovers!

[ARtraveler]

One of the very rare times when "they all do it" is actually a good answer. Once warmed up, they quiet down.

[Bob Denman]

I'm a new owner, and let me say this, I have learned a lot so far from this forum. I've noticed that the people on here don't hesitate to answer questions without passing judgment no matter how "rookie" the questions may sound. Thank you for that. I hope to be able to answer questions one day.

As another newbie around here (not an owner yet), I've noticed exactly the same thing about the forums here. Just wanted to add my thanks to everyone for that! It's not something that you commonly find on the internet.

You guys have to know the truth :
It's NOT that we know this stuff...
It's that we THINK we know this stuff!

[Pirate looks at --]

You guys have to know the truth :
It's NOT that we know this stuff...
It's that we THINK we know this stuff!

...and we have nothing better to do!

[JerryB]

Hi Bayouboy,

Re: I feel like such a dummy asking some of these questions.

Back when I was still a working stiff, I had a sign on my office wall that read:

'There are no dumb questions. However, there are some very stupid mistakes.'

Jerry Baumchen

[CA Railwhale]

Don't stop asking questions, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you start learning all kinds of stuff...

As my Drill Instructor in Basic Training taught me, the only dumb question is the one that you DON'T ask. Keep asking, learning and enjoying, when you stop any of the three, you stop living.

[CA Railwhale]

As another newbie around here (not an owner yet), I've noticed exactly the same thing about the forums here. Just wanted to add my thanks to everyone for that! It's not something that you commonly find on the internet.

I find Spyder riders are like sailors, it's a brother and sisterhood and members are always willing to help one another and seduce innocents into our pastimes. I suppose it's because we are both small groups today.

[Bayouboy]

Hi Bayouboy,

Re: I feel like such a dummy asking some of these questions.

Back when I was still a working stiff, I had a sign on my office wall that read:

'There are no dumb questions. However, there are some very stupid mistakes.'

Jerry Baumchen

I may make a sign like this to hang in my office.

[rcturner]

All wet clutches do this. The degree of "clunk" depends on a number of things but, it is normal. My 2012 would let me roll it a little bit to minimize the clunk. My 2014 doesn't allow this. I hate it also but, it is the way they are.

[RiverCity45]

My 2012 RS does this from N to R and N to 1st. Freaked me out at first. Turns out it's normal. What a relief.

[Chupaca]

Not having dealt with the 1330 triple I would wonder it those that changed over feel the same clunck as the 998 twin. The twin is like all of them harley indian victory etc big clunk but the rpms on the 1330 are lower than the twin...

[oldman55]

My 2016 F3S does it when it's cold on first time, after that it's not as bad. N to reverse is normal shift no clunk wether it's cold or hot. It has bothered me also first time always so loud of a clunk I think it's going to break a gear tooth. 1,500 miles now and it doesn't bother me as much any more. I compare it to my Indian or my previous Harley's and it's just as bad. It's normal, keep on shifting and ride like there's no tomorrow.

[Marker]

Thanks!

I feel like such a dummy asking some of these questions.

Never a dumb question asked here. We are here to help each other.
Welcome to the spyder family.

[ruralgirl]

In my RT-S owner's manual, they call it "positive engagement". Perfectly normal. In fact, if my machine quit doing it, I'd be worried.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

When I shift from reverse to first the shift is so quiet the only way I know for certain it shifted is hit the throttle. If it moves forward it shifted!