Is it my transmission or my clutch?

[supamandasun]

Sometimes, after shifting into first, as I roll off and release the clutch, I hear a loud snap/clunk.... what might that be? I'll come to a stop, shift down, and as I begin to ride away, releasing the clutch lever, it's a loud clunk. I understand that when shifting into first, these bikes are notorious for a loud clunk. Sometimes there isn't any clunk when shifting into first. But when I take off- CLUNK

 

[brettp]

I'm curious what the experts say, but it sounds like you're not getting into first gear until the clutch engages.
When you downshift coming to a stop, try letting the clutch out so you hear the clunk before you're stopped. Then see if it still happens when you begin to go again.
Question, does it sound like it is coming from the transmission/case?

 

[supamandasun]

I'm curious what the experts say, but it sounds like you're not getting into first gear until the clutch engages.
When you downshift coming to a stop, try letting the clutch out so you hear the clunk before you're stopped. Then see if it still happens when you begin to go again.
Question, does it sound like it is coming from the transmission/case?

yes, it sounds like it's coming from the same spot that I sometimes hear the first gear clunk

(thanks for you reply, Brettp)

 

[ScottishBadger]

First thing I'd do is check that your engine mounting bolts are tight, followed by the rear sprocket retaining nuts.

 

[brettp]

Based on when the clunk occurs, it sounds like your shift lever may not be moving the shift fork in the transmission enough to get the bike into first gear. But when you let out the clutch, the engagement between the crankshaft and primary shaft (if that is the right name for the transmission part) pushes it the rest of the way. Maybe you can adjust your shift lever to fix it?