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  1. #1
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    Default Is the Clunky First Shift normsl?

    Ever since I got my 2016 F3-T SE6, it has made a loud "clunk" when first shifting into either reverse or first gear after a cold start-up. It is loud and I can feel it. All subsequent shifting is fine, except for 2 or 3 occasions when I had trouble shifting into first gear after a warm start-up.

    Since I'm about to have my first (3000 mile) service, I was wondering whether this clunk is normal or whether it's something that I should mention?

    Thoughts?

  2. #2
    Active Member HankD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by newbert View Post
    Ever since I got my 2016 F3-T SE6, it has made a loud "clunk" when first shifting into either reverse or first gear after a cold start-up. It is loud and I can feel it. All subsequent shifting is fine, except for 2 or 3 occasions when I had trouble shifting into first gear after a warm start-up.

    Since I'm about to have my first (3000 mile) service, I was wondering whether this clunk is normal or whether it's something that I should mention?

    Thoughts?
    I hope it's normal. My 2017 RTS has done it since day one. Approaching 3000 mile service also.

  3. #3
    Very Active Member Grandpot's Avatar
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    The loud clunk is absolutely normal. Motorcycles use a constant mesh transmission which is very different than a typical car transmission. Search for Constant Mesh transmission on YouTube. There are several informative videos there.
    2011 RTS (Sold to a very nice lady)
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  4. #4
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grandpot View Post
    The loud clunk is absolutely normal. Motorcycles use a constant mesh transmission which is very different than a typical car transmission. Search for Constant Mesh transmission on YouTube. There are several informative videos there.


    Worry if it doesn't clunk!
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  5. #5
    Very Active Member BigGuy66's Avatar
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    Default My 2010 RT SM5....

    ...clunks into R and into 1st. Reminds me of my VTX - Glad to know it's normal... now, if I was only normal...

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  6. #6
    Active Member HIspyder's Avatar
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    That's the clunk of authority. All those horses are just wanting to be unleashed.
    Just another crappy day in Paradise....Aloha!

  7. #7
    Very Active Member ofdave's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by BigGuy66 View Post
    ...clunks into R and into 1st. Reminds me of my VTX - Glad to know it's normal... now, if I was only normal...

    Done buying parts.jpg

    Clunking into first may be normal on your VTX.
    Clunking into reverse is not normal on your VTX.



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  8. #8
    Registered Users classicvw's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ofdave View Post
    Clunking into first may be normal on your VTX.
    Clunking into reverse is not normal on your VTX.
    It might not be normal, but it would be AWESOME!

  9. #9
    Very Active Member SteveLaoyster's Avatar
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    Yup, first shift goes clunk. My Sportster, Softail, 3 Yamaha 650's, Yamaha 350, Honda CL360 and Yamaha trail 60 all clunked to some degree on first shift. I think it all depends on how well the clutch plates are stuck together.
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  10. #10
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Default

    I see it took awhile for your question to come up. Like all the above, its normal when the engine is cold and on that first shift of the day. The is saying "lets go."

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  11. #11
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  12. #12
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    Default

    Thank you all! (breathes sigh of relief....)

  13. #13
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
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    Default the clunk

    Quote Originally Posted by akspyderman View Post
    I see it took awhile for your question to come up. Like all the above, its normal when the engine is cold and on that first shift of the day. The is saying "lets go."
    ..... and especially when the oil is cold ..... if I let the Spyder run for 3 minutes , it diminishes the clunk , but it does not go away completely ........ Mike

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