I think I read somewhere that F4i's are known to have clunky shifting (??).

Can anyone verify, because mine sure is! (2001 F4i).
My bike JOLTS when I shfit into 1st from N!
And also from 1 to 2.

Could it be something with the clutch?

Thanks!

 

I also would like to know about this. I have a 2006 F4I and mine is doing the same thing. I called the dealer and he said it is normal???

 

It's normal to have a clunk when shifting from N to 1st. This is because unlike a car, the gears in the tranny are still spinning a little even when the clutch is in.
Mine is also a little clunky when going into gears sometimes, you have to really slam it hard sometimes before everything lines up...bike trannys also don't have syncronizers on gears like cars.

 

Every bike does this from my experience. I hate how long the throws are for the shifts on a honda. Suzukis are much shorter but they still clunk.

 

Mine's clunky too. If I shift at low revs its worse, or if I shift slowly. I think the problem is made worse but the abrubt on/off throttle control of the F4i. The way I have been shifting is first have a very slight pressure on the gearshift before shifting, only letting off the throttle a bit but not off, then almost simultaneously clutch it and then shifting fast. It seems to work fine on the 1-n-2. The motor needs to rev a bit, It probably has to do with the gearing in the transmission where the 1 to 2 ratio difference is much different than the 2 to 3 and so on. The rev drop may match up percentage wise at higher revs than at lower revs to the transmissions needs. My guess is that the ratios in the transmission haven't been changed since the F4i was the sportbike that honda raced in the 600cc class and the these ratios are more track oriented than street oriented. I would assume that first gear isn't used too often going around a track, just like 6th would be better for the street if it were taller to drop revs at highway speeds for gas mileage and less buzz.

 

Switching from Amzoil to Mobil 1 0w40 helped me alot. Also check chain tension, mine was tight and it made it shift ALOT worse.

 

Yeah when you shift into first from neutral....you definitely hear it....it's normal

 

as everyone says, the clunk into first is normal. smoother shifting can usually be obtained by the type of oil you use -- try Castrol Actevo.

 

I recently bought an 05 F4i and I agree. Going from nuetral to 1st is EXTREMELY clunky. Also have a problem hanging up in nuetral going from 1st to 2nd. BUT I'm still getting used to th bike, only put 165 miles on it so we'll see.

 

Mine clunks going into first most of the time. some times if I blip the throttle and catch it right on the down rev it goes right in nice. Pretty sure this is normal on the bike. Mine does not however have any trouble going into second.. Then again I have a reverse shift kit in my bike (1 up, 5 down) < easier shifting through wheelies so maybe because I am shifting pushing down on hte pedal it goes into second better.. I dont know? make sure your clutch lever is adjusted right. over time the cable stretches a little bit and when you pull the clutch in it may not be completely disengauged. That would give you your problem too....