02' night train that ever since I've owned has had, in my opinion, harsh gear engagement. I bought it with all fresh fluids filled up and ready to run, bike performs flawlessly, I just wanted to ask about the harsh engagement. Is that normal? It has amsoil 20w50 in the primary and transmission.

 

Not sure since you do not say if it's a FI which simple idles faster then a carb and when you clutch and put it in gear it makes a sharp clack sound. If it does not lurch forward it's normal and most all do it. Actually you can make sure it at least is idled down to 1000 and clutch, goose it about 3 times and even pull it back a few inches and about 50% of the time it will not clack. Just too much trouble for me. Just make sure you stab it. Worst thing you can do is push easy. The gear teeth are always engaged. The inner drive dogs drop in and that's the clake you hear. The clutch is a set of plate that even when clutched apart drive with the oil friction between them. Make sure your primary oil is down at the bottom of the clutch outer disk just catching the ring gear. Not at the derby cover opening.

 

Yup bikes fxstbi, injected. As you stated, I did notice when I roll backwards with clutch in, then click to first gear, it's quiet and smooth. But no, I've NEVER had it jump forward while engaging. So this is normal most likely what I'm experiencing. Idle never has been up to or over 1000

 

ring gear oil level must be checked when bike is not on jiffy stand and is straight up level.