Hard Shift 1st to 2nd

[Wingrider73]

2005 with 75000 miles. Bike is in very good condition and runs well except at slow speeds. Just recently drove
Deal's Gap twice. I don't go much over 20mph or so (I love my wife's husband!). When shifting from 1st to 2nd at low speeds there is a definite delay/slack/clunk between gears. I put the bike on the center stand and rotated the rear wheel and don't get the same symptom. The rear wheel moves freely about an inch back and forth when in gear. Out of gear it moves freely with no noise. When normally accelerating i don't notice this as much. I know i am not describing this very well but in slow turns/speed the bike will jerk - again like a delay somewhere in the drive train. Could this be a clutch problem? Final drive? Drive shaft? Combination?
Opinions welcome...

[Steve F]

I've tried different shifting techniques in the past, and I have found that a quick shift is always necessary. In other words, you must shift the instant you quickly pull in the clutch lever. Don't lag or be slow about it and you'll be amazed at how easy and quiet it shifts.

[AZgl1800]

a quick shift at lower RPMs seems to work best for me.

I use a tiny bit of Preload on the shifter lever, and without moving the throttle, tickle the clutch lever, and it will upshift in a heartbeat.

anywhere between 1500-2200 rpm seems best for me....
I got thru all 5 gears w/o moving the throttle, holding it at about 2500 rpm.

preload, tickle the clutch, allow the rpm to get back to 2500 and tickle the clutch again.

[Wingrider73]

Thanks guys....
So this clunk is common for our bikes?
I will definitely practice the recommendations.
Don't know if it's that big a deal except the metallic noise... I just a fussy guy!

[Wingsconsin]

If you are making shifts from 1st to 2nd in a turn on the Dragon at slow speeds you are going WAY TOO SLOW
The GL1800 has the power (torque) to START in 2nd and pull at nearly any slow speed so using 1st may be a challenge.
I do ALL of my parking lot maneuvers in 2nd gear - 1st gear is only to start the bike rolling from a stop sign in my opinion and experience.
The shifts must be quick and clean - an aggressive movement to shift up -
Going to 1st from 2nd (downshift) while still moving will likely end up in a grind or sorts --

[Wingrider73]

I have tried the suggestions from the replies and found that they do work. I was worried that something in the drive train was beginning to break down. I can't get it in my head that this machine will do just fine in 2nd gear. I think with more attention to my speed/gear most of my worries will go away.
Thanks.....

[bstig60]

How much do you ride? I find there is a little clunk in down shifting to the lower gear and there is also some noise when shifting from first to second. I think its normal, had the same thing with my 1500.

[Wingrider73]

I ride quite a bit. I have owned the Goldwing about a year now and find that it handles and sounds much different that the Yamaha Midnight Star I sold. The Star didn't seem to have the 'slack' between 1st and 2nd and the clunk noise wasn't there either.
Yes, I am finding that some or most of the things I am hearing are indeed normal. I have changed my shifting to test some of the advise I have received and so far most is working.
Thanks...

[bstig60]

I ride about 10K miles per year on my GW. I also have a '99 Yamaha XV1100 Virago. It has the clunk shifting down from 2nd to 1st. It uses the same transmission as the early Stars. I have a buddy that has a XVS1100 Star Classic (2005), it has the same clunk.
I will be coming down to Florida for the winter and will be in Rockledge or Cocoa. Perhaps we can get together sometime this winter.

[Wingrider73]

Yes I know that sound. I had a Yamaha Roadstar prior to my Goldwing. This sound is different. It sounds like free play between the gears and then a hard contact. I suspect there is excessive wear in the drive train somewhere. Will take it to the mechanic for opinions and cost.
Thanks for the reply. ....

[bstig60]

I think its normal. Only have 30K on my goldwing and 17K on the Virago, Both have the clunk noise when shifting down from 2nd to 1st gear.

[AZgl1800]

All Goldwing transmissions have a clunk, they have straight cut gears and no synchronizers
how bad depends on your shifting technique.

the 2 to 1 shift should only be done just as you come to a complete stop, or after you stop.

[Wingrider73]

Great info - definitely will check my shifting habits
thanks

[AZgl1800]

SHIFTING:

my method is to use a slight amount of toe pressure "preload" and then just quickly tickle the clutch lever down maybe a 1/4th and the transmission will upshift before you can get your fingers off the clutch lever.

Downshifting is slightly different.

Apply a light preload to downshift, apply enough throttle to make the engine want to pull a bit harder, and then tickle the clutch.

I use a bit of footbrake to hold the engine from gaining any speed, that makes the engine want to pull just a tad harder, and then with preload, the tranny will shift so fast, you would think it is an automatic.

[Wingrider73]

Kool! I bet this will take a little practice.
Thanks

[Wingrider73]

Okay Guys....
Back again with a different explanation of the 'clunk' noise I started this thread with. I am very familiar with the 'normal' clunk when shifting between gears. I think most bikes will make this noise. Some louder than others.

The noise i am trying to describe is driving my 2005 gl1800 75000 miles in a gear - say 2nd or 3rd - at a steady speed (15-20 mph) and suddenly force decelerate. I definitely feel a delay of a few seconds from the time i decelerate and the bike's engine begins to slow the bike. There is a clunk/knock sound much like metal on metal. If i purposefully twist the throttle open/close quickly the sound is much worse. If I decelerate normally - that is maintain some throttle between shifts - the noise is not as noticeable. I guess my concern is if the universal drive, or final drive, or cush/dampener inserts, or all three are wearing to the point that they need maintenance/replacement. Is there a proper way to check these items without dropping the rear wheel?

I am the third owner and don't know much about the bike's history. It had an Iron Butt tag insignia on it. That may indicate it took a beating in its early life!

[AZgl1800]

Decelerating in the manner you describe is pretty going to exhibit what you describe.

If I have to stop that fast, I clutch and hit the brakes, both of them.

If I know I am going to come to a stop, I will usually let the engine do the braking, and with my preload method of foot pressure on brake, slight throttle applied, I go down to 2nd gear and let the engine pull me down to a near stop.

At that point, I don't go to 1st gear until I am almost dead stopped.
and that is to avoid the harshness of trying to get it into 1st gear w/o a healthy bunch of noise.

1-2, and 2-1 will never give you perfect shifts because the tranny is having to slide past neutral.

My driveway is asphalt and goes straight to the parking pad in front of the shop.
as soon as I am on the pad, the bike must make a 90 degree right turn, just as I make that turn, I put it into 1st gear and walk the bike into the shop with my feet on the ground.

too much crap in there to just up and ride in at speed.

[Wingsconsin]

Might be time to "race test' it...
Drive it hard until something breaks - - No ..?

Then it is time to get into the rear half of the bike --

Check the driveline for play/slop . .
Look for play in the swingarm -
Check brake calipers to see if they are not properly installed or attached.
There are many things that can make noise and make a rider wonder what is falling off now ..?

As for ME - I rarely even use 2nd gear unless I am going really slow - and then the action you are talking about is unlikely -
Hard stops and quick acceleration are not typical

If you are not able to do this ..maybe a local friend can assist ? Or the Goldwing Chapter ?
Or finally - a dealership ...

[Wingrider73]

Thanks guys - probably worried about nothing. I have always been fanatic about keeping my toys in good working order. The Goldwing is new to me and I hear different noises. So, I come to where people know best - right?
I am going to put it on a lift and see if I can make the noise by hand. At least I might be able to determine any play/slop in the drive shaft.
Thanks for the info and conversation.
James aka Sparky

[AZgl1800]

Mine is an 1800 also, and an '02 model.

When I first got it, it had this TERRIBLE awful whining noise up front.

now, "what noise" ? I don't even notice it. I am sure it is still there, as it comes from the cam drive chain

likewise, the tranny makes some little noises from time to time, sometimes it reminds me that I was a dufus and quit that crap, makes me hurt

but most of the time, it just makes little click clack sounds as I tickle the clutch and slide from 1 to 5 w/o changing the throttle position, just leave it at about 2200-2500 rpm

The tach drops when the next gear takes hold, and it climbs back up to 2500ish, and I tickle the clutch again, and the tack just drops a few hundred rpm, and makes its' way back up again, until finally the 5th gear light is burning.... around here on the local roads, I like to ride at about 2500ish rpm and just look at the cows/horse/ pig pens as I slowly wander by.

[Wingrider73]

Yep! I am stressing out over 'not much' i think.
I am going to have a friend ride my bike tomorrow and get his opinion on the noise. He has ridden Goldwings for many years and has a lot of experience about the peculiarities.
Thanks for the feedback.......

[ex vtxer]

could it have something to do with heel toe shifter???
i notice when take it easy on mine it does. almost as if you have to double shift...
the vtx's also make noise going to 2nd.
then again, what do i know...

[Wingrider73]

No heal toe on the bike. I have a phone call to JustWings tomorrow. I will go from there.
Thanks

[m2102]

I heard the clunk noise like you described in my 1500 and now my 1800. I read on one of the forums I'm on that some riders don't use 1st gear. I gave it a try and have not used 1st except when pointed uphill stopped. When doing a turn, left, right , or uturn I stay in second. When executing a turn on first I would get a jerking motion until I go to second. The 1800 has plenty of power to pull from a stop with just me or two up. Since triking my bike have had no problem not using 1st.

[Wingrider73]

Yes. I have tried this and it works. I do have to be careful with the clutch release because I do get a rather loud chatter. I have about decided I will accept things the way they are and see what happens in the near future.
Still gonna contact JustWings.
James