Although it is very rare, there are times that as I approach a stop and am downshifting to first the shift lever is mushy and the sound is as if gear teeth are bumping against each other but not engaging. I'll feel a slight bouncing in my foot from the lever and first gear will not engage. I'll release the clutch lever, pull it again and then shift down fine. All other down shifts and upshifts are crisp and I get the classic "clunk".

Anyone else experience this? Is there an adjustment I need to make? Any other info on what this is or if it's damaging?

 

It sounds like you may need a slight clutch adjustment.

 

I have experienced this on rare occasions. It usually happens when I am running through all the gears quickly as from 5th to 1st on a quick stop. As you say, double clutching solves it and it doesn't repeat at the next stop. I don't worry about it.

 

Try shifting down at a slightly higher speed.

 

I usually start about 20mph. Any speed under 5-10mph doesn't shift.