Clunky 1st and 2nd gears is this normal on a Varadero

[kimakazie]

Hi Guys ,great forum lots of answers to be had for those that are not experienced with V Twins
i just got myself a 2002 varadero 1000 at the weekend and am wondering is the clunky gearchanges between 1st and 2nd normal do they all do that ?

thanks in advance

[Boris]

Hi Guys ,great forum lots of answers to be had for those that are not experienced with V Twins
i just got myself a 2002 varadero 1000 at the weekend and am wondering is the clunky gearchanges between 1st and 2nd normal do they all do that ?

thanks in advance

They are not the smoothest boxes in the world but neither should they be particularly clunky.

Check the chain tension as this can make quite a difference.

[africajim]

I've an 09 Vara and it's been clunky since the day I bought it! All my @T's were clunky as well, I would say the Honda gearboxes are far from the smoothest in the world but agree chain tension can make a bit of difference. Best to check it mate.
Sometimes I get quite a smack out of the gearchange from 1st to 2nd if done slowly. I think it's just normal.

[Dee Duble Yuh]

It depends what you are used to. First-to-second is relatively clunky on almost any motorcycle gearbox because you are momentarily going via neutral. However, Hondas are generally slightly worse than other Jap makes because they're built strong. Think of it as being like the door to a vault: you'd WANT it to clunk firmly!

[Snaphappy]

Very hard clunk when selecting first I had been advised on going to a heavier oil, I tried last summer and it quietened down but changed back to normal for the winter

General consensus is it's normal

[Freerangestormer]

My 03 clunks a bit into 1st and 1st to 2nd, more so when hot. Hasn't been any difference in my ownership and I don't notice any difference just after a service when you would expect to.

I do clutchless upshifting most of the time, 2-3 and all other changes are relatively smooth and quiet.

All the other Vara lads here seem to be the same, stood in a row of 6 or 7 when 1st is engaged you would be hard pushed to tell which one it is and it doesn't seem to matter what year or mileage it is.

Nobody I know has experienced gearbox issues other than the normal wear and tear of the clutch.

All very reassuring