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Shifting my softail into 1st

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Old Jul 20, 2019 | 10:07 AM
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FunNSunBikerGal's Avatar
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Cool Shifting my softail into 1st

So....this might be a strange question, but I'm just not sure if this is "normal". When I shift my bike into 1st gear, it really "clunks" (best word I can think of) . Is that a Harley thing, or is there something wrong with it?? Just wonderin', cause my Kawasaki never did that.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2019 | 10:11 AM
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Normal but, If louder than normal, try adjusting your clutch. If the clutch is not releasing all the way if will be excessive.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2019 | 10:31 AM
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My fxst did it, the flhx does it as well
 
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Old Jul 20, 2019 | 10:35 AM
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They all do that.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2019 | 02:02 PM
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MIne does, generally, too. However, I notice that if I hold the clutch in a wee bit longer, and am going the right speed for 1st gear, it tends not to. I think the engine running higher will tend to do that, as it's grabbing, instead of slipping into the right gear.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2019 | 02:06 PM
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That clunk is to let you know you're in gear and ready to go!
 
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Old Jul 20, 2019 | 02:07 PM
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Hehe.....well then, clunk away!!
 
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Old Jul 21, 2019 | 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by FunNSunBikerGal
Hehe.....well then, clunk away!!
On takeoffs I try to always start the bike in neutral. I then will hold the clutch in and if possible roll the bike backwards and forward
a couple times. Usually falls into 1st gear with out the clunk.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2019 | 12:06 PM
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Normal, Mine does it
 
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Old Jul 30, 2019 | 02:34 PM
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My Heritage does it, so does my Wide Glide, my fiance's Heritage and street glide does it too - pretty normal unless it's excessive.
 
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