First to second shift noise

[Muleears]

I know our transmissions have straight cut gears but I'm a little worried about the noise mine makes going from first to second. Its not just the solid clunk like the other shifts. I hear a couple teeth hitting too. I thought maybe I was not fully disengaging the clutch or shifting too fast. I tried shifting slower and letting the RPM's fall before the shift but it didn't make much difference. I'm familiar with the cold second gear issue, in my case this is all the time, not just when cold. The bike only has 20K on it so I'm hoping not a transmission problem. I have changed the clutch fluid already. Someone tell me this is a normal sound or I need a simple clutch adjustment!
Thanks in advance for your assistance and advice!

[ekap1200]

At what rpm are you shifting ? Has it always shifted like this ?

[bikerking.biz]

Since you already changed the clutch fluid, that might eliminate that. What did the old look like? Real dark root beer, or maybe some gel in the bottom of the reservoir? If so, your clutch may not be releasing entirely because of a partially plugged master cylinder. Or, that year of Voyager had the now infamous "star" washers or shims in the clutches. They are notorious for breaking and then would not allow the clutch to be fully disengaged and could cause your problem. This would be most prominent when shifting into 2nd gear but could appear in other gears.

[Muleears]

My one to two shift is usually around 3K, unless I'm in a hurry then higher.
Yes, it does it all the time and has since I got it (about 500mi. ago).
The clutch fluid was a little off color, about like apple juice, no sludge or gel.
How would I inspect these washers? Are these the "spider" washers I have read about?
Thanks for the help.

[mountainman]

At 20K that thing isn't even broke in yet.
What kind of oil you running?
And when shifting you can't dilly dally around going through the shift, you gotta put it in there firm but gentle.
It will probably get better with time, and Rotella 15w-40 will make it shift the best in my opinion. At 100K it'll be shifting nice.

[Muleears]

At 20K that thing isn't even broke in yet.
What kind of oil you running?
And when shifting you can't dilly dally around going through the shift, you gotta put it in there firm but gentle.
It will probably get better with time, and Rotella 15w-40 will make it shift the best in my opinion. At 100K it'll be shifting nice.

I'm running Rotella syn, 3qt. 22 oz. I'll try a firmer shift and see it that helps. Raining today though, may have to wait till the weekend.

[bikerking.biz]

How would I inspect these washers? Are these the "spider" washers I have read about?
Thanks for the help.

Yes, these are the "spider" washers that you have read about. The only way to inspect them is to take the clutch cover off (of the engine), and disassemble the clutch basket and inspect the parts. These seem to be known as breaking every so often, more often than most would like.