Just new to the forum. Bought my 2008 14 new last July. Milage is 4500 kms. From all I've read the reports are the zx14 shifts silky smooth however this does not seem to be the case with mine. Sure it clunks into 1st as expected but shifting up is more than a click. Dealer says this is typical of a kawasaki tranny. Comments???? Thanks

* Last updated by: ZXcess on 10/16/2009 @ 11:50 PM *

Hello ZX-Welcome!Clunk into first will not be as abrupt if you lower your idle rpm's to around 950ish.Shifting up will not be just a "click".I will say that the shifting properties of mine are very good.I've found that a lot of variables influence the shift.The engine rpms,using the clutch,not using the clutch.Amount of time spent actually moving the shifter into the next gear-stuff like that.If I'm accelerating briskly-and shift up without the clutch,momentarily letting off(just barely moving the throttle,almost just thinking about letting off),she pops right in with no drama at all.Same with downshifting.(except into first).The quicker I can transition from one gear to the other when I shift,the happier my trans acts.If I try to "shift carefully" so to speak,she will go in a bit "harder" if that's the right word.And using the clutch-if I pull all the way back,she doesn't shift as smooth as if I pull just to the midpoint then shift.Takes some practice though.I must confess however that I changed out my stock shift star for a FactoryPro shift star about two years ago.It didn't perform like some sort of miracle-but it did definitely change the shift action in a positive way.You might want to give the clutchless shifts a go-but you probably won't get her to shift "real smooth" at lower speeds without the clutch.Dunno-maybe you can-Mine shifts very nice.Gotta say here-Props to Suzuki on their Hayabusa transmission.Now THAT'S "clicking in".

* Last updated by: blue07 on 10/17/2009 @ 2:27 PM *

HAVE RIDDEN 3 LARGE kAWIS A LOT OF MILES EACH. All were not exactly what i would call smooth feeling. All downright noisey in 1 and 2.

If you shift slow, you must shift very slow to do it smoothly. Your much better off to learn to shift to the next gear fast. You don't need to engage the clutch fast into the next gear if you don't want but you should make the shift fast while the clutch is pulled. Disengaging the clutch and shifting is almost done simultaneously. Lift up a bit on your shift pedal with your toe (preload the shift lever)before you make the shift. Then, let off on the throttle and pull the clutch and it will pop right up into the next gear. You will feel a click but all is good as long as there is no grind. Never ease the shift pedal into the next gear. That works great for cars but cycle trannies want to be clicked in decisively.