first gear clunk fix
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
On the 04 I had, I minimized the clunk pretty well by having the clutch, and primary chain adjusted spot-on and ran Redline MTL. It was near perfect!
Now my 08 has the crappy self adjuster that won't allow me to dial in my primary chain,..... so I live with the clunk. The MTL helps, and it does shift smoother with a lil less clunk, but it still has some clunk. I am patiently waiting for an aftermarket replacement adjuster that has some decent reviews.
Now my 08 has the crappy self adjuster that won't allow me to dial in my primary chain,..... so I live with the clunk. The MTL helps, and it does shift smoother with a lil less clunk, but it still has some clunk. I am patiently waiting for an aftermarket replacement adjuster that has some decent reviews.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
A couple days ago I was reading a post about how embarrasing it was to shift into first gear and hearing that big clunk sound. Someone chimed in and suggested holding the clutch in or something to that effect while starting the bike and the clunk sould would be gone.
I have searched and serched but can't seem to find that post! Does anyone know where it might be? Help finding it would be greatly appericated!
I have searched and serched but can't seem to find that post! Does anyone know where it might be? Help finding it would be greatly appericated!
Most all transmissions made in the last 20 years are constant mesh, meaning that all the speed gears on the mainshaft rotate at the same speed as the countershaft. With the clutch out, as in starting in neutral, the main drive gear (MDG) is turning the same RPM as the motor which in turn is spinning the countershaft (CS) and the which is in direct contact with the speed gears on the mainshaft (MS)
After start up pull in the clutch and wait for the inertia created by the spinning mass to subside. If your clutch is a little too tight the MDG will continue turn albeit ever so slowly.
I pull in the clutch and wait. The tranny has to stop turning prior to engagement or the clunk you hear is the actual abrupt stoppage of the gear train. Most time while waiting I actually move the bike rearward which decreases the wait time a little. I have little or no clunk following these procedures.
Also use a gear oil in the tranny. A good 85w140 or synthetic 75w140 will help to dampen the effect.
Hope this helps.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 264
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
I agree with adjusting the clutch at the hub and cable, and change the primary oil. You don't need high priced oil in the primary. I run valvoline mc 20/50, its cheap but you probably could use any 15/40 or 10/40.,
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Birmingham, Alabama
I swapped from the OEM primary fluid to Amsoil AHR Straight 60 wt. and the tranny to Redline Heavy Shockproof. Works great... I get very little clunk when cold from sitting from weekend to weekend and none after it warms up.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 9
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Ditto, i do it everytime after cold starts. It doesnt completely go away but it does help. Also i dont mind the clunk into first, its a harley thing.