I've tried a few different oils and noise and shifting are all about the same. While I've stayed with Amsoil, if the 20/50 Mobil 1 is used there should be no difference. Even that factory fill Harley 360 20/50 was fine during break in. Engines are slightly noisier with syn oils like Amsoil or Mobil compared to dino oils but shouldn't be an extreme amount. As for down into first, I usually slip it in barely rolling or if needed from a higher speed, blip, to better sync the gear speed so the dog will engage. I've noticed the refusal to slip into first once or twice in time I've owned it but it's always been from not blipping to match my higher then normal down shift into first gear rolling speed. Basically just takes a second tap on the shift peg and it goes in.
It's mostly when coming to a stop that it happens.
I have not changed it. I did you put on some new clutch and brake reservoir covers though. Could that really do it?
Might if the lever isn't solid as in some remaining air in the system. This will not allow the plates to separate as much as they should causing drag that creates extra needed shift pressure on the peg to make it slip into gear. If you foot get's lazy it might not go into gear first time. First and second gears whether up or down shifting are somewhat more touchy then the rest of the gears. This is from the gear speeds, gear pocket and dog engagement. Most noted from first to second but on a down shift from second to first a certain speed it can resist going into first on the first try. It's a rare condition and not everyone experiences it, depending on how they ride. I might see it a couple times a season. Only changing the covers will not cause that.
I have checked it a few times. Everything seems well. Think I'll just go back to the amsoil, or possibly the motul?
