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That's the audible shift indicator. You can turn it off by adding loud pipes and/or an amp if you have a stereo. Ear buds work too.
Actually sixguns is right. Other than that first shift into first gear when the bike is cold, if you match it just right, it falls right into gear with out the clunk. I will apply light pressure to the shifter while still accelerating to take any slack out of the linkage, when you back off the throttle, it will slip right into gear with that same amount of pressure. Many times I wont even use the clutch past third gear. if I am hitting the right RPM's, it shifts smoothly and never grinds. Like a trucker, they only use the clutch to start and stop but I wouldn't recommend it in the lower gears on the bike.
It doesn't take as much pressure to shift as many think. Many riders I see think they have to stomp on it or slam it up into gear. Causes the clunk and stripped shifter shafts.
I can't believe we're four posts into this topic and somebody hasn't responded with saying you have to gun it before you shift. 90% of loud Harley riders I see on the road crack it before pulling into the local coffee shop or stoplight. Now watch the replies come in that say you have to rev it to get a smooth shift. My Rushmore shifts smoother than my two Goldwings and I know it shifts smother than my buds 162hp touring BMW.
They would have to change the trans to synchronized as opposed to constant mesh. Complete redesign and it's not needed. As said above, it doesn't hurt anything and hey, it's a Harley. They do that.
You want a ride that rumbles, --not begs for mercy-- when you lean on it a little. The Six-Speed Cruise DriveŽ transmission provides smooth, quiet shifting and reduces engine speed on the highway, so you get a better match between engine turnover and road speed. And the Isolated Drive System makes acceleration flow in a smooth, steady stream from your wrist right down to the pavement. It's a rare ride when a bike responds like this, and a low growl goes a long way when you're opening up the road ahead.
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From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
The drag of the clutch plates plays an important role. Less energy is needed to accelerate the engine compared to the wheel so the impact on the gear dogs varies. You can try to increase and reduce engine rpm as you shift to locate your 'comfort' condition.
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