I just picked up a 98 CBR 900 RR with 27k miles on it. Bike runs strong and haven't had any problems till last night. I ran up to the store and when I came out and started it up, pulled in the clutch and dropped it into first it made a clunk and died. I tried it in 2nd gear as well but it still acted the same. It did this 4 times in a row before finally shifting normally. It acted like I had tried to put it in gear without the clutch pulled in. I checked clutch travel, pull adjustment etc and all seems fine there. I rode around about 20 minutes more doing a lot of starts and stops at lights and didnt have any more trouble with it but am concerned about what caused this.

Any suggesstions on where to start?

 

Not saying you might have done this but you might have done this. LOL
Leave your kick stand down and start it and then put it in gear. Does it do the same thing? Sure does sound like it!

 

eighter your kick stand is down,our your switch is ****ed,its right beside your kick stand check it out and see if theres anything disconected

 

Yup, sounds like a loose connection at the kickstand kill switch.

 

Sure enough that was it. Thanks for the fast response and helpful tip. Was a little nervous about the miles on the bike when I got it and then this happens. Feel a lot better now.