First gear from a cold start

[lee]

When I first shift into first to get going after starting the bike from cold it clunks so heavily when putting it into first it kills the engine (this sometimes also knocks the speedo out and I have to turn off at the key to bring the speedo back) - almost as if I wasn't using the clutch - the clutch has been adjusted as far as it can go without slipping, the chain tension is good and I have put the Redline H Shockproof in there. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you sort it? When the bike gets warmed up its fine. I guess the clutch basket may need looking at.
PS
We had a thread going recently on whether the 2005 bikes have a E or a G carb - I looked at mine and it is a G. Whether that clears things up or adds to the confusion I don't know!
Cheers
Lee

 

[cavracer21]

lee, im willin to bet that when you put it in gear you have your hand on the brake and your idle is slighty low because the bike is cold. my bike will do the same thing, i was told that its because the clutch plates are dry because the fluid has drained back. how long has it been since you've changed the fluids? they may be getting worn out and not clinging as well as they should.

 

[bdmridgeback]

You didn't put Redline in the Primary did you? That would be a no-no in itself. It is only for the Transmission. As for the carb, the 2005 bikes all came with the E carbs on them and most upgraded to a G.

 

[lee]

I've changed all my fluids in the last 2 weeks and no I didn't put the redline in the primary, only the transmission.
Thanks for your comments
Lee

 

[Vegas]

Your clutch must not be disengaging fully. 05 had some weak clutch baskets. Make sure your idle speed is correct as well. A little to fast is better than to slow.

 

[Gas Man]

Is your idle high? I know that if mine is high, both on my chop and back in the day on my rockets, high idle put it in gear and the good clunk. Just be sure the idle is back to normal like 1,000 or less and it won't clunk.

 

[Raywood]

Lee, I believe this is pretty common. Everything is cold and if it goes away after it warms up then you should be fine. I used regular cheap 20-50 dino oil in my primary. I would ensure that you raise the throttle a little when you shift it into gear and have your hand on the front brake to reduce the jolt.
Remember out evo motors liked to be warmed up real good prior to taking off. But don't use the enricher except for starting then use throttle. Key to a long life motor.

Later,
Ray

 

[lee]

thank you for all your comments - all very well appreciated as always.
The idle looks ok and I usually give a zip on the gas when shifting down although this doesn't help on the initial shift into first - I try not to use the enrichener even when starting, just a few pumps on the throttle before hitting start
I should be getting a new carb (triple x G - may even go for the TD) and air cleaner (S&S twin) soon so I will get the basket looked at then - I don't much mind the clunk but knocking the engine and speedo out seems a bit heavy to me
Thanks again
Lee

 

[P8RIOT]

I don't much mind the clunk but knocking the engine and speedo out seems a bit heavy to me.

That certainly does sound excessive, Lee. Mine does give a good solid clunk the first time I engage first gear, but softens up considerably as it warms up. It really sounds to me like your clutch is not adjusted properly, and is not disengaging far enough.

 

[MemphisChopper]

When I first shift into first to get going after starting the bike from cold it clunks so heavily when putting it into first it kills the engine (this sometimes also knocks the speedo out and I have to turn off at the key to bring the speedo back) - almost as if I wasn't using the clutch - the clutch has been adjusted as far as it can go without slipping, the chain tension is good and I have put the Redline H Shockproof in there. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you sort it? When the bike gets warmed up its fine. I guess the clutch basket may need looking at.
PS
We had a thread going recently on whether the 2005 bikes have a E or a G carb - I looked at mine and it is a G. Whether that clears things up or adds to the confusion I don't know!
Cheers
Lee

New to forum but give my two cents ... have same issue; changed fluids, adjusted clutch...better but found out if I pull her up into second, then back to 1st issue goes away...like plates are sticking when cold and putting in 2nd gear releases without the big "clunk". If if keeps up, going to pull apart and clean plates.

 

[lee]

I can't remember if i tried that or not - I'll give it a go tomorrow - something else I did do as suggested on this thread was to increase the idle - it didn't help with the clunk but it kept the motor running - only tried it once though
Thanks Memphis