Clunky gearbox

Is it normal for the gearbox when changeing gear to be noisey, I know the way it is designed and the transmisson is set in a big enclosure and this can increase the noise and it is not emersed in oil which would reduce the noise and no elasiticity of a chain but some times it can sound very agriculteral.
SO do I have to practice my technique to get it better.

Mine was bad from the getgo. Had the shifter springs replaced and after that is was great. Expect it to be real clunky for about 3500 miles and then its silky smooth. Its still a noisey shift but its 2.3 liter motor!