Clunky tranny

[Obe-1]

Hi guys and gals. Here's my problem, I have a 2001 dlx and it seems like shifting is getting a little clunky. I know that Vics of this vintage are known for having clunky shifting but is there an adjustment that can be made or is there new tranny parts that can be installed to make this condition better? Thanks for any comments

[Swiffer]

I recall hearing something about a "detent kit", but not sure exactly if it helped your problem or if it helped the jumping out of gear problem. Mine's always better shifting after an oil change(even with the '03 trans). Does it seem like it gets worse closer to oil change time?

Steve

[Obe-1]

It could be, It is getting close to time for a change. Thanks for the input Steve.

[Inge]

I too have an '01 dlx and the tranny has been clunky from the get go. I have always assumed it was the nature of the beast, and as long as it doesn't jump out of gear or get "hard to find neutral" it will go the distance. I find the gear noise more un-nerving.
On our trip to Osceola last fall the first thing I did was to ask the factory production engineers if I should be concerned about the gear noise. When I told them my bike is an '01, their response was" hey, you've got the re-designed tranny, you ought to hear the '99's". that put me at ease some what, but I try to make sure I complete clean shifts before I get on it.
I think real evidence of a serious problem will be jumping out of gear or excessive noise. Clunking might just be a little extra clutch drag or the gear dogs wearing in such a fashion that they grab with a little more authority.
On a recent meeting at the Joint, I ran into a "factory maintenance instructor" from Medina and two Vic dealer mechanics who were in town for training. We got on the subject of trannys and one of the mechanics related that he had just upgraded some one's '99 to an '03 tranny simply because the owner wanted the upgrade, and the '99 gears still had the machining cross hatch marks on them (ie excellent condition).

My recommendation is shift clean and don't get too concerned until you hear more noise (if that's possible) or experience gear jump out. Hang in there, there are a lot of early machines with a lot of miles on them and still going strong.
Also, I just oiled the shift linkage pivots and that seem to improve shifting.

[Choirguy]

I'll add that on the national board, there has been no statement from any owner of a 2001 indicating a need for a new transmission. By this time, a couple would start popping up.

Your transmission has round contact surfaces whereas the 1999 and 2000 models had square ones.

When my transmission was replaced at 31,500 miles, the interior of the transmission was in fantastic shape...it was the output shaft/front sproket that was stripped (Victory won't replace just the output shaft!).

Yes, that 2001 is going to be much louder than a 2002 or 2003, which experienced further refinements, but it is likely still more quite than my 2000 ir other's 1999s ever were!

[Obe-1]

Thanks for all the comments guys, Guess I'll quit whinning ( or would that be clunking ). Ride fast but ride safe:crazy: