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09-17-2016, 11:27 PM
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#1 |
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Jr. Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Posts: 43
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Clunky Shift
I am new to the Kawasaki brand and the Voyager seems to be its own beast within that brand. A few months ago I bought a 2013 Voyager with 7300 miles on it. From the day I got on it I noticed the loud clunk when I shift gears. from first to second it sounds the loudest. Is this common?
Its a great bike and rides nice it Just has a few little quirks that I am figuring out about this model. Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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09-18-2016, 12:13 AM
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#2 |
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 838
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Yep, it is normal, especially for the 1st to 2nd shift because you are really shifting from 1st, thru neutral, and into 2nd. Other bikes have the clunk, too. I've test ridden a couple of Victory models and they had more distinct clunks than the Voyager.
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09-18-2016, 04:18 AM
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#4 |
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Top Contributor
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: North Wilkesboro, NC
Posts: 6,289
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I've owned both an '07 Nomad and a '12 Victory Vision. The Victory had a rediculously loud shift but it was SOLID. The Nomad had the smoothest, silkiest shift I've ever heard/felt. I'd hope Kawasaki wouldn't backtrack to a noisy tranny.
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Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860 |
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09-18-2016, 02:24 PM
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#5 |
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Hannover, Germany
Posts: 380
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Change the engine oil to motorcycle dino oil 20W-50 and it will get a lot better.
Cu, Sven
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"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well-armed lamb." - Benjamin Franklin MY LIFE - MY RULES !  2018 Indian Roadmaster
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09-18-2016, 07:58 PM
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#6 |
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Advanced Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Middle Tennessee
Posts: 616
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I don't know if it is because of the torque these big engines put out, but they do clunk. Has nothing to do with shifting past neutral. I have other Kawasaki bikes that shift like a hot knife through butter. My '07 mean streak just snicked into each gear.
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 2010 Vulcan Voyager, 2007 Vulcan Mean Streak, 2009 Vulcan Nomad |
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09-18-2016, 08:55 PM
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#7 | |
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Advanced Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Grand Prairie, TX
Posts: 654
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Quote:
Nature of the beast.
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2011 Vaquero V&H slip ons Roaring Toyz intake PCV (removed) Ivan's ECU flash |
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09-18-2016, 11:20 PM
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#8 |
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 89
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It's not just these bikes. My buddy has a 15 Can-Am Spyder which does the same thing from neutral to 1st gear. just the nature of the beast. Try short shifting the bike (shifting at a way lower rpm) from 1st to 2nd and you'll see that it makes quite a bit of difference.
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09-20-2016, 07:40 AM
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#9 | |
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Palmyra, Pa - Near Hershey
Posts: 426
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Shift with Authority
Quote:
#1 If you shift with authority it will be better - I've found when I try to ease it into gear it's louder. #2 Oil does make a difference - Experiment with different Oils to see which brand/weight works best for you. Rotella T6 for me. #3 Always ride with Harley's - Next to them your shifting is quiet. If none of those work try: #4 TURN UP THE RADIO AND FORGET ABOUT IT! |
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09-20-2016, 11:56 AM
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#11 |
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Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Southwestern Florida
Posts: 115
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its the nature of the beast....learn to love it....
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Linear Mode
