Chunky Shifting 2007 VFR

Any suggestions for a new owner of a 2007 VFR regarding shifting. Since I am just getting back to riding again and my reentry vehicle is a VFR800 I could use some insight into the shifting characteristics of this bike. It seems a little chunky from my prior experience with Hondas. I have tried the preloading of the shift lever and this helps a little. Or it may be that this is the way the gearbox is and I should just accept it that way. Please advise.

 

I have no problems with mine. Try lowering the shifter so that you can get more leverage with your foot when shifting. Also, give the bike time for a complete break-in. How many miles are on it?

 

When my bike is not completely warmed up it shifts almost silently. After riding for a few minutes it is a little clunky going from neutral to first. Other than that, first and second gear are tall making it hard to feather the throttle in turns. I have 3000 miles on my 2007.

 

No problems here. Mine is smooooth as silk. I'd let the dealer's mechanic take it down the street to see what he thinks.

 

My 2006 has 2000 miles on it and the transmission has been a concern since I bought it in May. It has never been as smooth as my previous bikes. When downshifting into first it makes a loud "gear noise", kind of a whine. Also when the bike is in neutral and running the clutch makes a very loud noise, pull in the clutch and the noise stops, release it and it starts again. I've been told that is just the nature of the hydraulic clutch. Is this a common experience for the rest of you guys or do I need to find a Mechanic?

 

The clutch noise is more than likely normal. Every one I've seen has a clutch noise. Are you downshifting into 1st while moving a little too fast?

 

Chunky shifting

The bike only has 300 miles on it. Probably should give it some time to break in, either way I plan on having the mechanic ride it at the first oil change at 600 miles.

 

No, it happens during normal downshifts Even under 10mph. Its never really been that much of a concern because I just figured it was gear noise associated with low gearing that is common in vehicles but after reading this thread it sounds like no one else has it. If you are in Joneborough Eddievt, we'll have to get together and ride sometime, I'm outside Greeneville. Thanks for the input.

 

Hello all,
From what I have been told (and I have been told a lot considering that I have a 2007 with 10,000 miles and already had the clutch replaced once due to parts failure):

Yes- the bike whines when you downshift into first, it is for this reason that I use engine breaking down to 2nd gear, but not into first, the noise is normal, but I think it sounds cheap and dont like to hear it.

Yes- That sound your transmission makes in neutral is normal (the one that goes away when you pull the clutch in), the Honda guys say it is just the nature of the beast.

TIP: for those of you prone to what we will call Tom-Foolery.... the clutch may be succeptible to melting/burning and welding together if you are clutching up wheelies in first. just sayin....

 

A lot of 4 cylinder cars also make a rattling noise in neutral with the clutch engaged.

All 4 cylinder engines have torque reversals, i.e., there are points in the rotation when the engine is actually slowing down and taking power from the flywheel. On a 4 cylinder engine, when 2 pistons are at the top, the other 2 pistons are at the bottom. As the pistons accelerate from that position, 3 take power from the crankshaft rather then delivering power to the crankshaft and the one that is on the power stroke cannot deliver power from top dead center. So, at that point, the engine is actually slowing down. A few degrees later, it is speeding up. The constant slowing down and speeding up can cause gears to rattle; it's normal and harmless, although it may be annoying. The solution? More cylinders, but that has other disadvantages.

 

at almost 11,000 no real problems on shifting.
I encounter the same characteristics.

 

Slausmann

I rode my sons CBR600 to contrast the shifting characteristics. Turns out both the VFR and his bike are very similar. Timing is everything as far as making a clean shift. Since my VFR has only 600 miles it feels much tighter and less tolerant of lazy gear changes. Preloading the shift lever helps. My VFR makes the rattling sound with the clutch out in neutral also. His CBR doesn't.

 

2004 vfr with 30,000 miles, never had anything other than regular maintence. Makes the clutch noise in neutral. Was told it's a Honda thing, with the clutch basket. I had an 06 Honda 599, it did the same thing. Also, my vfr shifts smooth when cold, but once warmed up, slightly clunky feeling. Mainly just first to second gear shifts. As for first gear whine, I never down shift to first while moving, when slowing to a stop, at 10 miles per hour, I pull in the clutch, down shift to first and then I'm stopped, waiting at the light ready to go.

 

A friend of mine who has a CBR at about the same age as mine were just talking about the noises our bikes make from the transmission... Very Clunky and not very smooth.. Indeed, I have read many a review that makes some note about the Honda style of clunk shifty'ness.

My )2 is very notchy/clunky has all the same noises you are descibing... My6 Buddies CBR even does it... I think it's pretty normal..

 

Slausmann

Thanks for the description of your shifting characteristics on your 2002. I think I will quit obsessing over it and enjoy the bike.