[Tom C]

I bought 1986 interstate, 46,000 miles, great cycle, put motorcycle valoline oil, shift good, however, clink when like not going into gear smoothly. would synthetic oil help the very clinky noise.
Thanks, Tom C

 

[Two Wheel Wing]

Tom, what weight oil did you use? Some folks use a heavier weight oil which seems to help with shifting. A synthetic may also help if it is a higher weight.

 

[joe in calif]

Synthetic oil might help but if it's a Honda Gold Wing it will clunk!!

 

[lonewolftx]

I love my clunk. I know it has shifted if it sounds just right.

 

[budoka]

I can remember one of my GL1100 buddies telling me he just rode a Suzi GS1000 and how smooth the tranny was. I let him ride my '85 VF500. His words: "now that's smooth!" I have amsoil in my '09 now and it's definitely smoother, but the 'clunk' will never die. Kinda like pain; you know you're still alive, hehe.