Assuming you are not using too heavy of an oil and the clutch cable is adjusted correctly and it's not you then it sounds like it may be the clutch at fault. Your not trying to go into first at too great a speed are you? Just some things to think about and I've got to ask how long have you been riding? If a new rider than some things will correct on their own after more miles under your belt.

 

How fast are you going when downshifting to first? What is different about the times this happens vs those where it doesn't. Should be going below 10mph when doing this shift. Should be sliping into first Just as you are stopping, literaly as you are putting your foot down. Generally if you have to force it or are grinding on downshifts, most times, the cause is excessive speed, MPH or RPM. It could be mechanical, bent shift fork, clutch ect. But we need to eleminate the rider/driver as the cause for this issue. 9 times out of 10 its the rider or driver that causes the grinding of gears. That 1 time that it is a mechanical issue, you find the issue was also cause the rider/driver, ie Bent shift fork.

 

as i said, i didn't THINK it was me, but with 3 people saying a similar thing, perhaps i'm going faster than i think when i'm downshifting! I'll have to keep an eye out. I didn't notice any similar circumstances when it happened, but maybe speed was the factor.

I've been riding since May, and this occasional grinding only started in the past 3-4 weeks i'd say, and only about 3 times.

Thanks for the input!
Spencer

 

Make sure after you shift into second on the way down that you release the clutch all the way. the RPM needs to be under 2000 for the shif to be anything close to smooth into first. I am notorious for shifting too early into first. you should be very close to stopped before shifting into first. you will get a feel for it eventually.
I have a tach on my 1100T and generally a downshift is smooth below 2000 Rpm

 

I believe a "clunk" is fairly normal, but grinding is not. I usually "clunk" it into first gear as I am clutching for the stop. Dan

 

Yup, what Dan sez. Suggest you try not using first to slow (I am almost not using the motor at all for braking these days except on hills). FYI: bike trannys don't have synchronizers like a car. The cogs just kinda jam together with shifter fork pressure.

Each bike transmission seems to have its own quirks and sometimes you just need to do a work-around.

 

Sounds to me that you are downshifting into first at too great a speed. Clunking is normal, grinding is not. If you stop downshifting into first, I bet you won't have any more grinding.

 

+1 on that.
The clunk is normal but if you are light on the shifter you will "grind" it. i get lazy sometimes and am light when shifting and I get the clickity clickity clack CLUNK. It is what it is. A Honda.

 

I don't mean to revive an old thread here but I'm having a similar issue:

I brought my Phantom in for new tires the other day and when I rode it home, I found that it had some vibration and - I wouldn't say grinding - but some sort of noise when downshifting into 2nd and 1st. It doesn't happen every time and it sometimes happens regardless of whether the clutch is in or out.

I've never felt this before and since it happened after I changed my tires, I'm thinking that it has to be related. I was thinking maybe it's having all that new tread but i'd rather be safe than sorry!

 

If you took it to a shop to have tires done and you're now having problems, take it back to your shop and tell them to fix it. They should stand behind their work. If they don't you're using the wrong people.

 

I can't think of one good reason why youd get grinding after changing tires. Makes no sense IMO.

Maybe the shop messed with your clutch cable?

 

I can't think of one good reason why youd get grinding after changing tires. Makes no sense IMO.

I agree completely with you I just thought i'd see if anyone else has ever heard of or had a problem like that. I'll try to get my gf to record it next time she's on the back.

 

I don`t mind seeing old threads come back...
I get to see OconeeDan some thisaway...

 

Mine does this too. Its because youre going too fast when you go into first. Happens in cars too.

When you upshift, lay it into second THEN neutral. When youre around 10 mph drop it into first or at a stop.

 

Also didnt realize this thread was made in 1768 but notice there are nearly 3k views LOL pretty common issue it seems?

 

No kidding LOL.

So I took it for a ride yesterday and I did a test: I held the clutch and coasted down a hill and as I was decelerated through about 30km/h, I started hearing it and it went away through 10km/h. Since I just held the clutch, I left the transmission in 3rd gear. I wonder if maybe it's because one of the wheels is too tight? Or maybe something to do with the rear tire and the drive shaft?

When I go home tonight, I'm going to hit the kill switch going down a side street and see if I can pin point it a little better. Failing that, I'm going to jack it up and turn the wheels individually and see what I notice.

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys

 

Check your oil. I've had a grinding suddenly occur on my bike. When this happened, I found I was low on oil. Filling to proper specs made it go away.

Could be a coincidence. I'd rule it out just to be safe.