Heavy clank on shifting?

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Jul 7, 2011 | 02:15 PM

#21

kevmiami

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Joined: May 2011

Posts: 266

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From: Boynton Beach, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhbiker1961

Try holding the clutch in for 30 seconds when starting the bike before you shift into first.

Interesting, can you please help me understand what this will do. The bike is dead easy to hit neutral when she is cold, it is as it warms up that it becomes more tricky to hit neutral. I always thought the clunk was just a harley thing. Thank you, Kevin.

Jul 7, 2011 | 02:38 PM

#22

Gman in NC

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Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 1,257

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From: Gastonia, NC

After you start the engine hold the clutch in for about 10 seconds. This eliminated the 'clunk' for me. I guess the clutch plates just need a little time to separate. My Kaw Vulcan was the same way.

Jul 7, 2011 | 02:59 PM

#23

nhbiker1961

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Joined: Sep 2008

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Jul 7, 2011 | 03:53 PM

#24

jlasoftail

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Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 1,664

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From: P.E.I. Canada

Welcome to HD. To answer this question, and a few more that I'm sure you have: the bike clunks when it shifts, different parts in your motor rattle and bang, things vibrate, and overall, if you lent your bike to a Honda driver they would get a mile down the road, pull over, and call a tow truck because they would think the bike is gonna fly apart. Well OK, maybe it's not that bad, but these bikes all have some noises that you might not be used to hearing if you came over from a metric...

Jul 7, 2011 | 04:30 PM

#25

olongapo1

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Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 970

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From: Philippines

Wabbit,

Keeping your Clutch and Primary chain properly adjusted, and using a quality fluid in your transmission will help reduce this noise. Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-110 works well in my bikes.

Jul 7, 2011 | 05:20 PM

#26

roadkingharry

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 712

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From: Punta Gorda, Florida

The only time I get the hammer-on-an-anvil into 1st sound is when I don't let the bike warm up properly. So now I let it idle for a few more minutes, hold in the clutch lever for 10-15 seconds and then I'm good to go, no more clunking. Takes a little longer in the winter. I rarely downshift into 1st when the bike is moving and even when I do, no clunking noises.Changing to Redline Shockproof in the tranny was a big improvement over HD Syn as well.

Jul 7, 2011 | 06:16 PM

#27

watchluvr4ever

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 678

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From: MI

My Softail don't first gear clunk nearly as bad as my Dyna did but like everyone said it's pretty normal.

Jul 7, 2011 | 10:19 PM

#28

WVNightrain Rider

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Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 279

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From: WV

If I am correct your 11 will have a self adjusting primary chain.
As other recomended use redline shock proof heavy in the tranny and something besides engine oil in the primary, I use redline primary drive in the primary but switched to modil 1 due to WalMart selling it. Wish more people would sell Redline, shipping is getting pricey.