Clunky 2nd gear

Helix · Post by **Helix** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 5:00 pm

I find that when I shift into 2nd, up or down. The trany gives a big clunk.
I find it worse than all other gears.

Is this normal? Is there anything I can do to make more like the others?

Thanks

rngdng · Post by **rngdng** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:12 pm

Which bike? If GT750, it's a pretty big jump between first and second. The ratios are tighter from third on up. My bikes always clunk into second.

Lane

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Mon Apr 27, 2009 10:41 pm

If its a GT750 thats the way of the beast, you may get a better result if you try different oils etc but the truth is you'll never get rid of the big 'clunk'.
However, a first generation GS750 g/box will cure that problem,,,, and create a few financial other ones..

Helix · Post by **Helix** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:30 am

Sorry

Its a GT550 74

it clunks hard and engages hard.
But if this is normal and is not causing any damage, I can live with it.

Post by **oldjapanesebikes** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 9:55 am

Just a comment - I find the GT750 'clunk' to be no where near as bad as what my 75/5 BMW used to sound like

For the GT550 - I have to say that in comparison, my '74 does seems quieter and smoother than my GT750's once the gearbox oil is up to temperature etc. - but there is still a bit of the characteristic Suzuki 'clunk' there as well ! I'd say a certain amount is just normal, assuming that mechanically it's sound (no cracked plates, not dragging).

Helix · Post by **Helix** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:33 am

what about lurching

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 11:27 am

Helix, It sounds like your clutch needs adjusting. Like it's not fully releasing. Follow the instructions. It should cure the lurch and the clunk.

Post by **oldjapanesebikes** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 12:34 pm

Helix wrote:what about lurching

If this is happening on deceleration, or when the throttle is backed off, then you should take a look at the Suzuki service bulletin GT-36 of March 11, 1977 which you can find either here or here.

Edit - sorry ! Forgot you were talking about the GT550 - this service bulletin is for the GT750 with CV carbs only so ignore..

Helix · Post by **Helix** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 5:15 pm

Thanks for the advice.
So I adjusted the clutch with no luck.

Am I the issue? I find the clunking worse when down shifting unless I am at a full stop.

Am I shifting to late or two early?

Post by **oldjapanesebikes** » Tue Apr 28, 2009 6:12 pm

Between 1st and 2nd, they do clunk pretty good - its just how they are built.

If you are still not comfortable, what you could try is to take it for a short drive to warm things up and then put it up on the centre stand. Check to see how easy it is to stop the rear wheel from spinning when you have it in gear with the engine running at idle and the clutch disengaged. If you can't easily stop the rear wheel from spinning, and if you have it properly adjusted, then there is something else going on causing it to drag - perhaps a cracked clutch friction plate, wrong oil etc.. It happens. If the wheel is easy to stop, then its probably sounding the way it ought to sound