clunky gear shifting

Hi I am a new owner my valkyrie is a 2000 model with 4500mls on it. It has a very clunky gear shift? is this normal? i have never owned a shaft drive bike before?
In all other respects its fine, just the clunks when changing gear.

TRY LOADING SHIFTER (PUT PRESSURE ON LEVER WITH YOUR TOE) JUST BEFORE SHIFTING. SHIFT QUICKLY AND I BELIEVE YOU'LL FIND IT SHIFTS MUCH MORE SMOOTHLY

I have a 2001 Valk I/S and it clunks also. I noticed that it is better with Mobil 1 15w-50.  It also helps to shift QUICK.
Ride safe.

[Valker]

...that will lessen it (like mentioned before-oil and preloading the shifter) but the clunk is pretty much the nature of the beast. I understand this is because of the straight cut gears. I have about 52K on mine now and most of the time it shifts rather nicely, but I am not sure if it is just that I am used to it, I'm finally doing it just right, or if the gears are meshing better. I've never heard of a stock Valk with a transmission failure though. Just my 2¢ anyway.

[JDM]

Valks do not like low rpm shifts or a lazy shifter foot. Like the others have said a little preload on the shift lever and dont pull the clutch lever all the way to the handle bar when shifting.

The clunk is normal. The tranny has straight cut gears and its not going to stop. the best you can do is make your shifts fast and with authority. I personally do not like preloading the shifter. While I havent seen a failure due to it. I don't like putting unnessesary tension on the shifter ratchet. BR

BR is right on.
The trick is to shift with authority.  It takes a couple of rides while practicing the method, but it becomes natural.

Thor

One thing that really improves the shift because it really helps you shift with authority is the kick shifter from Rattlebars.  After getting used to shifting up with the heel and down with the toe it becomes automatic and really helps you shift quicker and with authority.

that clunk was built in for those of us who are hearing impared. Shift verification for the deaf, ya know?
Doug

I just switched to Mobil 1 15-50 oil my '97 runs a bit quieter, but the clunking got NOTICIBLY quieter and smoother!  I'm impressed!

Originally posted by Patron
One thing that really improves the shift because it really helps you shift with authority is the kick shifter from Rattlebars.  .

Im going to tell you a very truthful statement (Instead of the normal pack of lies:laugh: ) if it wasn't for the Rattlebars Kickshifter I would have been Valkless after just a few months. I HAVE to have floorboards and kickshifter was the only way to go. I have had mine for over three years and has been on two bikes. I did have to machine a new bushing for mine recently but there were a lot of hard shifts on that thing. Best money I have ever spent on my bike. Its one of those things you take for granted untl you get on one without it. BR

[Cooper]

Bringing up an old and common subject, decided to look to past discussions before just starting new ones....

I want to get the kick shift but need to be sure to not waste money, I know that it will increase performance (via easier shifting) and comfort but will it take away too much foot room and if I have the cobra platforms do I need to get the relo. kit as well?
Read earlier that someone was not able to access all his gears... and being as how I use my valk everyday... that would kinda suck!  help me out... gimme some advice!

['KC']

As mentioned, it is the nature of the beast. Not much that you are going to do about it, but synthetic oils will help some.
I try not to shift it under 3,000 rpm, and a nice snap shift works well for me.

[Cooper]

KC, which syn. oil would you recommend?

And I'm still curious in the kick shift not only for better shifting but for convenience and large feet...

[jwxspoon]

Doesn't bother me at all.

jw