Hard shifting into 2nd
 

Hey everyone, so recently I noticed that when I'm shifting from 1st to 2nd its not smooth, but a hard shift. Its as if I'm putting it into 1st from neutral and theres the initial "thud" sound. Does anyone have any suggestion on what I can do to dampen my shift? Replacing the transmission is not an option seeing how am a broke college student. Thanks

How often is the bike serviced? How many miles? etc?

It's possible the clutch is worn out, and is catching the gear very late, and unsmooth. The only way to confirm it's the clutch, is to take a look at the clutch plates. There's a very good "How-To" section here, if you do a search there for clutch, there'll be some details on how to take a look and find things.

Also the shift lever has adjustments as well. If you look at the shift lever, you'll see a rod coming from the lever assembly to bike. It has two nuts to adjust to tighten and loosen it. I'd try quickly adjusting that. If you tighten it up, it might make your gear changing smoother.

Try changing the oil. I'd recommend Repsol.

Also make sure the chain is not adjusted too tight.

was happening to me...adjusted the clutch cable...now back to normal

Thanks for everyones input. Hopefully the small adjustments will make a difference.

Definitely check the oil, that could make all the difference for the shifting smoothness.

You are going thru neutral. Just keep that in mind. But it does sound like a cable issue.