New F3S Owner - is it normal for the gearshifts to be this loud?

[SHANET]

Hello guys and gals. I just purchased myself a 2021 F3S last month after years of looking at Spyders, but always having other priorities that stopped me from buying. It had 7400 miles on it when I bought it, and I have put over 1000 miles on it since.

I bought it from my credit union as a repo and they said they had it serviced before listing it for sale.

I do have a question about the transmission...

Is it normal for you to hear the shifting very loudly? I have no errors coming up on the screen and it feels smooth (no jerking or anything) it just seems awfully loud when engaging the next gear.

I've added a few pics of when I got it and what I've done in the month I've had it

 

[honsfun]

yes it is

 

[BajaRon]

yes it is

:agree:

 

[Isopedella]

Hello guys and gals. I just purchased myself a 2021 F3S ...l
I do have a question about the transmission...Is it normal for you to hear the shifting very loudly? I have no errors coming up on the screen and it feels smooth (no jerking or anything) it just seems awfully loud when engaging the next gear.

While I respect the comments from the above members..

I do notice 1 awful clunk from startup when the 1st gear or rev selected. Its normal apparently.

With my SE6 F3 I have not really noticed any substantial clunks or heard and concerning sounds when completing the rest of the ride during gear changes.

I have learned to reduce the start up clunk by shifting into gear immediately after starting the engine.
It seems to idle in gear ok while it warms up with no throttle applied.

 

[JayBros]

Constant mesh transmissions, like those in Spyders and other motorcycles, all have a "clunk" sound when shifting from Neutral into 1st or, in the case of the Spyder, Reverse. It does no harm to the transmission. Once in gear, there is no more clunking when shifting amongst the gears.

 

[BajaRon]

There are things that will increase the clunk. Engine RPM, a clutch that does not disengage as it should (there is always some drag on a wet clutch assembly) thin oil, and going from neutral to a gear, to name a few.

 

[TheMariner]

Like everyone has said, Neutral -> First & Neutral -> Reverse clunk loudly but it's not a problem.

For me, once moving and upshifting I can limit the clunk by changing gear in the 2,500-3,000 rev range and when accelerating reasonably gently.. but still faster than surrounding cars. Keep the throttle constant as there's no need to momentarily chop the throttle as you shift as you would on a 2-wheeled motorcycle, but for me the bigger the throttle opening the bigger the clunk.

 

[Bfromla]

Hello guys and gals. I just purchased myself a 2021 F3S last month after years of looking at Spyders, but always having other priorities that stopped me from buying. It had 7400 miles on it when I bought it, and I have put over 1000 miles on it since.

I bought it from my credit union as a repo and they said they had it serviced before listing it for sale.

I do have a question about the transmission...

Is it normal for you to hear the shifting very loudly? I have no errors coming up on the screen and it feels smooth (no jerking or anything) it just seems awfully loud when engaging the next gear.

I've added a few pics of when I got it and what I've done in the month I've had it

:yes::welcome::congrats: Glad you found us :thumbup: (looking good)posting pics on first tryopcorn:& knowing look for codes:firstplace: as others have said definitely clunk on N-1 or R. Other than that not so noticeable (unless you jut have that level hearing sensitivity. ) a click maybe, just so know something changed, otherwise drowned out by engine & wind. & please what bags are those?:dontknow: they look like have quick release as well? Thank in advance

 

[GRHorst]

As was stated there is "no need to momentarily chop the throttle as you shift ".

It took me a while, since I rode clutch 2-wheelers for many years, to get used to NOT backing off the throttle a bit to shift. The initial "klunk" when going into 1st or reverse seems quite inconsistent for my 2021 F3L. But I've learned not to worry about it.

 

[BajaRon]

As was stated there is "no need to momentarily chop the throttle as you shift ".

It took me a while, since I rode clutch 2-wheelers for many years, to get used to NOT backing off the throttle a bit to shift. The initial "klunk" when going into 1st or reverse seems quite inconsistent for my 2021 F3L. But I've learned not to worry about it.

The inconsistency has to do with a few factors. But I think the main variable is how much slack remains between the 2 contacting surfaces which can change every time. For example, a reverse to 1st shift will usually create more slack than starting from neutral and finding a gear. And much less slack going from one forward gear to the next. A warm transmission will usually clunk less than a cold one.

 

[baxter]

Just like all the Harleys that I have had. The telltale 1st. gear clunk.

 

[tibadoe]

Yes - you will get a clunk when first engaging 1st gear. That's about the only time I hear it.

 

[TerryTheSpyderRyder]

They do make a clunking sound when shifting, and also when putting them into either forward or reverse. You'll get used to it.

 

[BertRemington]

... my credit union ... said they had it serviced before listing it for sale.

While I'm an admirer of credit unions, they probably had your Spyder serviced through a 3rd party contract as they are financial experts not vehicle experts. I'd ask for more information about the service performed. Incorrect oil choices and amounts are not unknown, as you will see on this forum. Better yet, get to know your local dealer by having them perform the upcoming 9.3K service.

Ps: The RT model is quieter because the extra fairing with insulation reduces the noise from the transmission while the exposed F3 transmission shares the shift experience directly with your ears. A modern full-face helmet will improve your riding experience, as will fitted ear plugs.