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When shifting from first to second at 5-6K RPM (or higher), there is a definite kunk/bang as the gear changes on my 82 Yamaha Maxim 650. At lower RPM, the shift is smooth with no problem.

Is this something that needs to be looked at immediately, or will shifting at less than the RPM that causes the problem enough of a solution? I am assuming this will be an expensive repair on an OLD bike.

Thanks!

shift at a lower rpm.

on my 83 Suzuki, I generally shift from 1st into 2nd at about 3k-4k rpm.

Yama-box syndrome..... they never had a really smooth shifting tranny untill the '90's. Every Yamaha of that age has a notchy/clunky feeling shift from first to second. A good synthetic oil and regular changes every 2000 miles or so can help.

Also, if your bike has chain drive(but I think yours is a shaft, right?) a loose chain can aggravate the hard shifting.