Do the sporties typically shift a lil hard? I dont recall if it shifted that way when I first got it.

 

The shifting on mine is very smooth. Might want to change your oil?

 

I've noticed that when I shift from Neutral into first it, like, slams down pretty hard. Sounds pretty brutal. It has been this way for a while, and I don't remember if it was always like this.

+1 on checking your oil. I'll be doing the same to mine.

 

Mine is not hard to shift, but you feel it take hold. Not hard, just "confirmed". It does shift more solid from neutral.

 

 

Every bike I have ever owned has had a pretty solid clunk from N to 1: A buell, two yamahas, and my 883.

You can reduce that by lightly blipping the throttle with the clutch pulled in in N, then shifting *just* as the RPMs settle back to idle.

 

Oil check was on my mind. Thanx guys!

 

On my bike, shifts take more effort into second and third and slips right into fourth and fifth. Been that way since new, over 15000 miles now. Also clanks into first unless I hold the clutch in for 10-15 seconds, and then still clunks half the time.

If your clutch is adjusted properly, most of the noisy and stiff shifting is normal. I learned to put the earplugs in first before I clank into first so it sounds like a nice clack.

Harley trannys and engines..... Funny how we all use clunk, clank, clack, clatter, etc. to describe them. Still beats the hell out of that rice burner whine.

 

Mine shifts very smoothly. It does make the clunk but effortlessly goes into each gear.

 

Mine is a '94 and it clunks shifting up or down. My roommate just got a later model 883 with a 1200 kit. his shifts smooth. I changed out the primary and regular oil. mine has always clunked since I got it. I've never been worried about it, I hear a lot of other Harleys that shift hard when I'm riding around.