Clunky shifts 2012 R3R

[TheRolleR3]

Try this. I saw it on a YouTube video and it works most of the time. Put your foot up, so there is a little pressure on the shifter. Clutch and get all the way off the throttle (I think quick shifter in my head.) Then go back on throttle. I do this in a quick motion. Not sure if I explained it quite right, but it works pretty well on my 2014 Roadster. Might be worth a try.

 

[Nat67]

I bought bigger boots !

 

[Bedifferent]

You know, I've never been a big fan of the heel shifter on a bike. I guess I'm just old school from all the years of having to shift with the top of my foot or toe. I have found, however, that when I shift gears with my heel, things just feel smoother and seem to go easier.

 

[Nat67]

With Cuban heels !

 

[mully95]

Tried Castrol in my Roadster then went back to Mobil 1 and found I like Mobil 1 much better.

 

[daytonageo]

Try this. I saw it on a YouTube video and it works most of the time. Put your foot up, so there is a little pressure on the shifter. Clutch and get all the way off the throttle (I think quick shifter in my head.) Then go back on throttle. I do this in a quick motion. Not sure if I explained it quite right, but it works pretty well on my 2014 Roadster. Might be worth a try.

That is called 'pre loading' the shifter. Before the shift you put pressure upward on the shift lever. As you pull the clutch, the shift will be faster and cleaner because of the pressure already applied. This technique works well on all bikes for quicker, smoother shifting.

 

[mcather]

A general question I've had on my mind for a while; does anyone know how to reduce or stop the clunky shifts?
I've seen some answers here but they seem to be older. Looking for something fresh.

I use this stuff in both my Goldwing and r3t with 10/50 Syn Castrol:
Amazon.com: ZDDPPlus ZDDP Engine Oil Additive Zinc & Phosphorus 4 Bottle Pkg: Automotive

 

[mully95]

I use this stuff in both my Goldwing and r3t with 10/50 Syn Castrol:
Amazon.com: ZDDPPlus ZDDP Engine Oil Additive Zinc & Phosphorus 4 Bottle Pkg: Automotive

What's the advantages to adding Zinc to Syn oil?

 

[mcather]

What's the advantages to adding Zinc to Syn oil?

Here's what the advert says:
Product Description
"ZDDPlus is an oil supplement that contains very high concentrations of the well-known additive ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate), which has been the primary EP (extreme pressure) ingredient in all quality motor oils for over 70 years. However, beginning in the late 1980s, the concentration has been greatly reduced as newer oil classifications have come on the market. ZDDPlus is the ONLY EP (Extreme Pressure) component which re-establishes the ZDDP levels that classic car engines were designed for, while allowing the car owner to use the base oil of their choice. ZDDPlus also alters bearing and journal surface characteristics to prevent metal to metal contact. Under extreme conditions like a high performance motor, ZDDP reduces the tendency of parts to scuff or gall under heavy loads. While some off-the-shelf additives may have some ZDDP but the amount per bottle is small. ZDDPlus is not a typical oil additive. It is compatible with all conventional and synthetic oils intended for automotive use. By adding a small 4 ounce bottle of it at every oil change, an adequate amount of Zinc and Phosphorus will continue to protect your engine."

Over at the GL1800 forum there was a lot of discussion about Zinc and cats etc. The GW can be crunchy when shifting gears. I've used it in my GW for a couple of years and no ill effects yet.
Can read some of the discussion here:
ZDDP observation - Page 2 - GL1800Riders
"Ghost shifting" btw is popping out of gear. I never had this happened on either bike...
cat

 

[mully95]

I have a 67 Barracuda with a 360 and flat tappet performance type cam. I add a bottle of zinc (forgot the name) to my oil to help protect the lifters, rockers, cam lobes, etc... but never would think to add it to my motorcycle. I know that it will damage catalytic converters in modern cars.