What's up with the 5th gear shift? Sometimes it seems notchy - like it tries to stop the shift halfway into the gear, and then slips in the rest of the way. Is there some sort of dual-stage for the overdrive? I notice when it does happen, the initial shift into 5th occurs, but then when that second 'notch' on 5th slips into place, the overdrive light comes on.
I've had a couple of trannys apart before on older bikes, so I have a good visual of how the forks and dogs work together. Just never experienced the notchy feeling on 5th before.
FWIW, the 1st-2nd shift (and all others for that matter) are quieter than they are on my VTX.
Psalm 34
Try shifting above 3000 RPM that will smoothen the shifting some what.
You're right... higher revs generally help. I've noticed that with both of my Hondas. They don't like to be short-shifted.
But, fifth is different. None of the other gears on mine have that hitch where it feels like it's temporarily hanging up on the dog.
Now, if only the gear casing was transparent, I could stick my head down there & watch it shift. Then, maybe it would make more sense to me.
Psalm 34
Mine is clunky loud 1st through 5th, Silky smooth and quiet when when shifting into 6th. The roll on power is so good in each gear that I never know what clunkin gear I'm in.
I'm a Shell Rotella T6 convert.
Used it in my '81 Wing & 98 Valk. Smoothed everything right out.
Currently running it in my F6B - awesomeness.
Also, remember that 4th AND 5th are both overdrive gears and do not like the aforementioned "short-shifting."
My girls:
Isleen - 2014 F6BD
Saorla - 1995 FLSTN Heritage Special
"Politeness, n: The most acceptable hypocrisy."
Ambrose Bierce
Smoothen?