What causes the hard Clunk when you first put it in gear? and how can it be prevented?

 

It seems to be a normal Softail trait. Use synthetic in the tranny and that will help a lot.

 

My '04 does it too. I used synthetic but it still clunks. It gets better once it's warm but still there. Just the nature of the beast.

 

I've noticed if I roll backward a few feet before starting it, somtimes there's no clunk

 

This is an old trick dating back to the 60's.

When the bike is cold put it in neutral. Hold the clutch in while starting the motor. Then hold it for 30 or more seconds before shifting into low. It will be silent for the first three or four up shifts. Even more helpful if you are starting down a sloped driveway, let the bike coast down while holding the clutch and shift into gear near the end of the driveway.

The reason is that while the bike is sitting the oil is forced out of the clutch plates. Holding in the clutch while starting and holding it open for a while will let oil between the plates.

Does not work once the oil is hot as it squeezes out fast.

I start out that way just as a game to see how many silent shifts that I can do. 6 is my record.

 

B&M Trickshift in the primary
Redline Heavy Shockproof in the tranny

no more clunk

 

I love the clunk!

 

If it didn't clunk it wouldn't be a HD. With the clunk I know I have made a positive shift to the next gear or it is in gear.

 

ive tried the hold clutch routine it works
i like my clunk
its more like KKKKKKLUNK

 

If its a 96" the underated compensator doesnt help!