2006 Nomad-Upshift 1st to 2nd

[ells]

I've never noticed the problem on my Vulcan 800B, which also has a neutral finder but it is a distinct issue on the Nomad. The firm, decisive action "like you mean it" regardless of RPMs is the solution for me. Only time there is a problem is when I'm not paying enough attention and "pu**y foot" it.

MT, Thanks for that very good and completed explanation of the mechanics of it.

[redjay]

Hi,
For me, the 1st to 2nd shift improved greatly after the TFI install. My bike would "gasp" for fuel making the shift difficult to get right. The bike even stalled a few times between the 1st and 2nd shift.
The bike is much more driveable since the TFI install. Synthetic oil also helps with the shift in my opinion.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Mitch, if you shift gently you can go into neutral and then when the RPM's have dropped you can shift into 2nd and there is usually no noice.

The only time mine doesn't make a noice is when I first get on the bike and for maybe the first five miles of riding it shifts smoothly in all gears. Once the oil has heated up it will tend to clunk going into second no matter what shift pattern I use.

It isn't a grinding type shift just a clunk when it goes into second.

[thedude]

The 1st to 2nd clunk is something I've now noticed on my new bike. It is very annoying, but doesn't always do it. Sometimes it shifts smooth as butter.

[skeeter]

from Gadgets "New Owners Page"

School #1: Kawasaki designed and built this motorcycle, they should certainly know what's best for it and what break in procedure will keep the bike running for tens of thousands of miles without a problem. Believe them and stick to the speeds on the sticker (and in MOM) which are maximum 10 mph in 1st, 20 mph in 2nd, 30 mph in 3rd, 40 mph in 4th and not over 60 mph in 5th. After the break in period (assuming you choose this method) don't ever go this slow in those gears again. Your absolute minimum shift points should be 30 mph for the 1-2 shift, 40 mph 2nd to 3rd, 50 mph 3rd to 4th and 60mph 4th to 5th. Those shift points are each at 2500 rpm which is where your engine begins producing best torque and your charging system is pumping out every amp it can muster for the battery and accessories. Fifth gear should really be reserved for high speed highway cruising. At 70 mph in 5th gear your engine is only turning a hair over 2800 rpm. Redline (when your rev limiter will kick in) is about 5900 on Nomad & Classic, 6200 for the MeanStreak.

always been good for me