In order of decreasing importance to the cause of the good ol' shift clunk, what are the reasons for the clunk? For example, if I wanted to reduce the sound, what would I do first, second, and so on. To date, I've adjusted the clutch (at the clutch), the free-play (at the lever), the primary chain free-play (at the midpoint between the front and rear sprockets), added Redline MTL (to the bottom of the clutch diaphargm spring only), and I still have the lovely 'clunk.' The transmission has the correct level of Redline Shockproof Heavy. Both the primary and the transmission oils are changed every 5000 miles. Mind you, the sound is worst from neutral into first gear. Or when I downshift under load.
Does addition of an automatic primary chain adjuster make any difference? The chain is easy to adjust in the first place - it just needs to be done, that's all.
Last edited by fxst-rider; 06-27-2007 at 10:35 PM.
Reason: clarification
It is always with us, some more than others...
The clunk is usually caused by dragging clutch plates/discs... Other things can also cause it but lets think of horses instead of zebras when hearing these hoofbeats...
Sounds like you've done all the right stuff to me...
I adjust in just enough (minimum) slack to not be butting up against the throw-out bearing, that can also help by dis-engaging that teensy bit more...
Do you hold in(dis-engaged) the clutch all the while at the light..??
If not, try dis-engaging several seconds before shifting to 1st... Sometimes giving the clutch hub a few seconds to slow or stop tuning will minimize the clunk...
A few years ago I tried the Red-line (pink milkshake) ShockProof Heavy, it leaked from all tranny gaskets and clunking was not affected... Went back to HD tranny fluid, leaking ceased of course... But this time only 60% and Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer (100% petroleum) the other 40%... Clunking actually eased a tiny bit...
I change tranny fluid about every 20,000 miles(lazy), it's the first time I didn't have gobs of metals, heck, it was sooo clean I really contemplated putting it right back in...
__________________ "Fill your hands you son of a bitch"
Rooster Cogburn
What do you use now for the primary and transmission oils? I'm not stuck on Redline, just have some in stock. With time, I will change IF there is something better (relative term, that one). Thanks.
Fx, it is the trannys that I put the 60% HD Semi-Syn trans fluid along with the 40% Lucas Heavy Oil... In my experience, it's the best I've used in 31 years, cuz the fluid's never stayed as clean...
In 2 sickles I run dry open belt drives, the 3rd I use the HD Primary Chain Case Lube... So far so good...
__________________ "Fill your hands you son of a bitch"
Rooster Cogburn
Soon, I'll have to change the motor oil and will switch over to Mobil 1 V-Twin. As my Redline primary and transmission oil stocks run out, I'll switch to Mobil 1 Gear Oil 75W140 (in the transmission) and Mobil 1 10W40 M/C oil in the primary. Lucas oils appear hard to find around here, and their web site is short in information. BUT, I'll continue to look anyway.
I'll tell you my experience with the m6 chain tensioner- love 'em. put one in my '94 electraglide. 1st shift cold is a little stiff when it's cool outside. After that it's great. Shifts smoother thruout. Plus, the adjuster has the ability to constantly adjust, like when you're crackin on it. I don't know anything about the hd auto adjuster- havn't read the new issue yet. Hope this helps...
Hey 94,
I recently installed an M-6 when I stuffed the Baker DD6 gear set in.It keeps the chain under constant tension and shifts with just a slight pull on the clutch lever.The clunk noise is simply the compensating sprocket when the chain gets slack with the stock adjuster.Did I read that you where blowing head gaskets?What's up?Gettysburg is in a few weeks you gonna be up?
Good Ol' Shift Clunk! 
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