shifting. - KLR650.NET Forums - Your Kawasaki KLR650 Resource!

chris pratt · 05-19-2009, 02:22 PM

So pretty new to riding. Had a 69 Honda before I bought a 2006 KLR this year. Was wondering and looking for advice regarding shifting. Shifting from first to second seems to make a "clunk" sound as it goes in, everything after that sounds smooth. Advice?

Mr.Bob · 05-19-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris pratt

So pretty new to riding. Had a 69 Honda before I bought a 2006 KLR this year. Was wondering and looking for advice regarding shifting. Shifting from first to second seems to make a "clunk" sound as it goes in, everything after that sounds smooth. Advice?

That "sounds" about right

. Mine does the same going 1->2 or 2->1. It probably has something to do with going past neutral.

chris pratt · 05-19-2009, 02:45 PM

Thanks, that helps put the mind at ease a bit

kilgoretrout · 05-19-2009, 04:02 PM

Yep, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
I've gotten the same thing on several bikes.

**stolentino** · 05-19-2009, 05:26 PM

the latest issue of motorcycle consumer news has a nice article about shifting.
My wife waived it in my face and called me rusty.

ttpete · 05-24-2009, 03:44 PM

Put a little pressure on the shift lever just before clutching it. It'll snick right in.

BeeJay · 05-29-2009, 08:26 PM

What RPM are you shifting at? For my '08, I let first gear wind out to somewhere around 5.2k before shifting. It's pretty smooth for me at that point.

For shifting down to first from second, I blip the throttle to match RPM at around 20 MPH. This tends to be very smooth at one-up, but with two-up, I downshift at higher RPM.

KilLeR Kawasaki · 07-02-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeeJay

What RPM are you shifting at? For my '08, I let first gear wind out to somewhere around 5.2k before shifting. It's pretty smooth for me at that point.

For shifting down to first from second, I blip the throttle to match RPM at around 20 MPH. This tends to be very smooth at one-up, but with two-up, I downshift at higher RPM.

If I'm going 20 mph, I am not looking for 1st gear. Anything over 10 or so I'm using second. It might lug a hair, but I am so used to cars where 1st gear really only wants to be had at a stop. I don't downshift on the way to a stop, except to be ready to go again. Brakes are cheaper than clutches I've been schooled on.

Mr.Bob · 07-02-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KilLeR Kawasaki

I don't downshift on the way to a stop, except to be ready to go again. Brakes are cheaper than clutches I've been schooled on.

Having the option of instantly taking off at any time is worth way more than brake pads or clutches. Downshifting while coming to a stop is good practice.

KilLeR Kawasaki · 07-02-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Bob

Having the option of instantly taking off at any time is worth way more than brake pads or clutches. Downshifting while coming to a stop is good practice.

I downshift, but only to accelerate, not to stop.

05-19-2009, 02:22 PM	#1
chris pratt A Regular Super Cool Since: May 2009 Locale: new hampshire Postings: 27	shifting. So pretty new to riding. Had a 69 Honda before I bought a 2006 KLR this year. Was wondering and looking for advice regarding shifting. Shifting from first to second seems to make a "clunk" sound as it goes in, everything after that sounds smooth. Advice?

05-19-2009, 02:45 PM	#3
chris pratt A Regular Super Cool Since: May 2009 Locale: new hampshire Postings: 27	Re: shifting. Thanks, that helps put the mind at ease a bit

05-19-2009, 04:02 PM	#4
kilgoretrout A Regular Super Cool Since: May 2009 Locale: PA Postings: 76	Re: shifting. Yep, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I've gotten the same thing on several bikes.

05-19-2009, 05:26 PM	#5
stolentino freerange jackass I'm a Premium Member! Super Cool Since: Nov 2008 Locale: Stockton-no jobs, lots of crime! Postings: 479	Re: shifting. the latest issue of motorcycle consumer news has a nice article about shifting. My wife waived it in my face and called me rusty. __________________ ∞ Living life on the edge of traction. 2009- extra black 22c. , lowbuck exhaust galfer front brake line happy trails fork brace,EG3,skid plate,shroud guards Ricor shock, Intimidators Thermo-bob, bailing wire TrailTech 40w HID flood light , nautilus horn, cheap grip warmers EM: SubframeDrillThru,0.7 bar risers,doohicky

05-24-2009, 03:44 PM	#6
ttpete KLR Enthusiast Super Cool Since: Aug 2008 Locale: Michigan Postings: 1,336	Re: shifting. Put a little pressure on the shift lever just before clutching it. It'll snick right in. __________________ U.S.N. 1959-1965, AMA Life Member, NRA Benefactor member 2010 Ducati Streetfighter S - "Sleipnir" 2009 Versys 2000 KLR 650 1995 MuZ Skorpion Replica - Gone but not forgotten 1967 Triumph Bonneville TT Special

05-29-2009, 08:26 PM	#7
BeeJay Active Member Super Cool Since: Sep 2007 Locale: Northern Virginia Postings: 273	Re: shifting. What RPM are you shifting at? For my '08, I let first gear wind out to somewhere around 5.2k before shifting. It's pretty smooth for me at that point. For shifting down to first from second, I blip the throttle to match RPM at around 20 MPH. This tends to be very smooth at one-up, but with two-up, I downshift at higher RPM. __________________

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