Finally !! weather ok to take out new ( 0 miles) 05-883 out for first ride, really impressed with the handling, shifts ok BUT many times had first gear grind, noticed even from "N" to first ground a little (from dead stop) ...normal?? hard to believe this is normal, maybe break in?? will go away?? all other gears shifted smooth, but this first gear stuff bothered me...thanks rambo

pull the clutch all the way in a SMACK it thru..

if ya hesitate it'll grind

I'll second that.

you guys may have a point....in other words..thump first gear??? first miles i wanted to "easy" it, but if i am hearing you correctly, "thump" first gear and this is normal??? thanks..

Yup it's normal....

it's a MAN'S bike not a girls bike .... ya gotta ride it like a man ;) :D:D:D

You need to STOMP on the lever, and not pussy foot

the lever hoping it will go into gear. :D

Yep, the loud slap into first gear is one of the Sporties hallmarks.

Yeah, I kinda like the 'chunk' it makes going into gear. What threw me off when I first mounted a windshield was the gear whine when downshifting. The windshield reflects the noise that I otherwise wouldn't hear.

Kim

What they said above.

Also, if you've got time, you can try holding the clutch for about 5 seconds or so before you put it into first. Most times, it'll just slip right in, no clunk!

Get used to the 'loud' shifts. That's the sound of a well made transmission.

Don't Baby it!!! Work it Hard!!! It Loves it!!! :D