I recently bought a 2003 954(first sport bike), although I love the bike, it seems that the transmission shifts really hard. Is this true for all 954's (or all sport bikes) or is this just mine?

Try changin the oil to synthetic or a synthetic blend if you havent already, since the oil is used in the clutch, trannsmission, pistons, ect...the " slicker" oil may make the shifting smoother. It worked on my CBR using Motul 300V (@$50 a gallon) or Golden Spectro oil ( about $8 a bottle)

thanks for the advice, I'll give the different oils a try and see if it helps.:)

I'm currently running Motul 300V (full synthetic) and the shifting is still a bit 'notchy'...My understanding is that this is normal.

RF

HONDA is notorious for having CLUNKY transmissions especially going into first gear

i personally wouldn't recomend synthetic or blends because of the reported/rumor that synthetics break down the friction plate fibers...depends on how "clunky" your clutch is...said this was ur first sport bike...what'd u ride before this one

I would be very carefull using a full synthetic oil. Your bike has a wet clutch which means its in the oil. It does need some friction. a full synthetic oil may cause your clutches to slip. I put a synthetic blend in my 954 for a season. I ended up going back to the standard honda motor oil. I found it works the best for hondas. Honda bikes, mine anyway, seem to be alittle more sensetive in this area. My Yamaha loved the Golden spectro synthetic blend. Not so much with the honda.

thanks for all the asdvice. know its gettin a few more mi. on it it seems to shifting better all the time.:)

I have used synthetic oils and never had a problem with shifting. Most oils now that are made for motorcycles will work just fine and most of the time better. Got to the Amsoil website and look at their wear rating verse the rest. It is superior by far. I'm having trouble with my transmission however but I'm calling Factory pro for their shift kit .

not with amsoil

Thats HONDA for ya....Its normal but you can fine tune yourself after you get use to the bike, you will find the sweet spots in no time. Try clutchless shifting, thats pretty well all I use except from 1st to 2nd of course. No clunking at all!!!

Yeah my bike makes a healthy "clunk" going into first gear at a stoplight. Its my understanding that this is normal. After a while you will get the hand of the bike and how the tranny feels, i can shift it very smooth now that i really know the bike.