No bike should be shifted into first slowly. They will all grind in. Bad technique. One positive down push is required on just about any cycle trans. First to second on a vrod is an oddball. Second gear has a different engagement program then the rest. While I've not had one apart yet, to me it seems the gear/dog engagement area is smaller or the rotational speed of that gear will cause the same effect. It's part of the design. Some times it will slip in , most times it has a small crunch feel when it engages. Sometimes if the shift is not held long enough with the toe it might miss second gear completely. Over time you adapt and it works ok. If all the gear shifts are stiff, lube all moving parts in the system to free them up.
Ron

 

Before you go and tear the engine apart do the simple stuff.
Remove the shift rod and clean those Hiem joints real good and lubricate with some Silicone spray or similar lubricant. The ball should spin freely and easily. Many a shifting problem has been solved simply by cleaning things up real good.
Rbabos is very correct in the relationship of shifting into/from 1st to 2nd. Should be done firmly and swiftly.

 

rbabos, Thanks for the input! I only really did the slow N to 1 on accident moving it around our shop and thought it was odd. Sadly I have been a rocket owner living in South Dakota(I know odd) and Off Road toys. Okay so I may not be crazy with the crunch sound/feel from 1 to 2. Just seemed crazy odd when it is smooth then rough. I will have to really play around. I've had the bike for a month and added 4k miles 2 oil changes with zero contaminants, well what i could see going through a coffee filter.

RustyG, I was reading about the linkage. Guess I am doing that tonight. Is there a OEM length I should set it to or just leave as and or adjust to preference? Obviously avoid any binding or over travel bending. Looks like I need to grow up on the shift and less baby footing it around. Otherwise she runs like a champ, planning out maybe a supercharger this winter plus a few other upgrades, saidly I can not wait for winter

Again thanks for the input, I will post any changes after the linkage adjustment.

 

The length of the shift rod is merely fro your convenience. What ever feels right to you.

 

The guys above are right on, and if it was mine, I would change out the clutch fluid to make sure the clutch is working correctly because it sounds like it is dragging a little when you pull the clutch lever. If you do change out the fluid, make sure to use the correct fluid when you refill, DOT 5 is correct for that year.

Mike

 

Mike, I think they were correct too. I rode about 50 miles last night and this morning and really "Shifted" between 1-2 and not a single "grind" or "feedback" in the foot except once really.

I think I might do a fluid change also I just replaced all the brake fluids and pads last week as was pushing off the clutch because of the noise but now I feel a lot better about the clutch to where after another 100 miles or so I will change out the fluid.