Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I just got a Virago 250. I love the bike a lot! But should I be able to hear a noise when I switch gears? Sometimes it is loud and sometimes it's not. Please help this is my first bike.

Welcome, LoriAnn!

Most bikes make an audible "snick" or "clunk" when changing gears. If you heard my old Kawasaki, I doubt you'd worry about yours anymore! Anyway, if you're still concerned, you could have your mechanic take a listen.

Ride safe!

LoriAnn wrote:I just got a Virago 250. I love the bike a lot! But should I be able to hear a noise when I switch gears? Sometimes it is loud and sometimes it's not. Please help this is my first bike.

Both of my bikes clunk when shifting, Busa and Ninja. They don't grind, only a clunk. Both are 2004, not old.

Kev

Yamaha's are notorious for making a lot of transmission noise. As long as it is just a clunk, and it engages good, there is nothing to worry about.

Stupid question... but you're using the clutch right? I've missed the clutch once or twice and it makes a nasty noise when I do.
I do love the heavy thunk of shifting into first from neutral. No sound is more satisfying. Well... no sound that can be politely talked about in public.

i get a very heavy clunk when shifting to first out of neutral. usually only when the bike is cold after riding for a while its alot less of a clunk. but the first time its enough to jolt the bike forward... long as i dont hear any grinding i assume its no big deal ha.

If the engine is cold when you first shift from neutral to first, the transmission will clunk much louder than normal and the bike may even lurch a bit even though the clutch lever is pulled in.