This just started the last few days. My '07 Vulcan 500 has about 1100 miles on it and now when I shift into 1st from Neutral it makes a clunk like it's grinding a tiny bit and then the bike wants to jump forward a bit. When shifting out of 1st into 2nd it does sort of the same thing. Any one else with this bike experienced sort of the same thing?

 

When going from neutral to 1st it is common to hear and feel that clunk. From first to second may be the way you are releasing the clutch, ride it a little between first and 2nd for smoother shifting.

Once you get the hang of it, you can shift up through the gears without your clutch. Just get to the right rpm to shift, put some upwards pressure on the shifter, then cut the throttle and re-apply the throttle. It will up shift as soon as you cut the throttle.

I only use the clutch for getting into 1st gear and when I need to select a lower gear.

 

Does this only happen when the bike is still cold? This is the clutch sticking and is normal. Once the oil warms up, it should go away.

 

My 2006 has a clunk going into 1st from neutral and it will lurch a little stating it in 1st with the clutch pulled in. I think it is the nature of the beast. Harry

 

My wife's does the same thing, and it only has 200 miles on it. I'm pretty sure that's normal.

 

Hi I'm new year, and I don't own this bike but am thinking about this or the 900. There seems to be a problem finding engine guards for the 500 though. Anyway...

Try lubing the clutch cable. After releasing the cable, wrap some tape around the top to make a kind of funnel, then fill it up with fine oil 3 or 4 times.I use sewing machine oil.You should do this regularly anyway, but if that doesn't solve the problem then adjust the cable to see if it cures the problem. You can adjust them at both ends of the cable, the top end for more fine adjustments. Just fiddle with it until it feels better. Make sure after you put the cable back that the gap where the cable comes out is facing away from you (from the riding position) or it will fray.

Good luck.

 

It's not the clutch cable. Mine's done it since new and the cable is properly adjuested and lubricated using cable lube. It's the plates sticking together when cold and it goes away after a mile or two of riding.

 

pretty normal

 

My '06 does this too. Has since I got it new. It only does it when cold. So I agree it is normal.