justin, i've experienced many of the same shifting "quirks".  I STRONGLY RECOMMEND using the clutch for ALL 1-2 shifts.  2-3 encouraged.  3-4 your call.  Failure to use the clutch for 1-2 shifts could shell your tranny which = bad day all around

Since Jappanese motorcycles do not have synchros in the tranny, it won't be worn synchros. Check closely that your clutch cable is in proper adjustment. Possible worn dogs is another thing that could do this.
When shifting, always use the clutch. Shifting without the clutch is not only possible it can become a lazy habit once you get good at it. However it does put more wear on the engaging dogs not only creating the possiblity of missed shifts, but eventually popping out of gear. Unless you are not concerned about longivity so much as drag racing or ego enhancement, I reccommend using the clutch on every shift.
BTW, Jackrabbit starts and sudden applications of torque may feel good but they shorten spoke life too.
For the tiny fraction of a second that it increases your shift time, the benifits to overall drivetrain life are worth doing it right.

Phelonius

justin_o_guy wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:01:


Not really, It's all a matter of choice. It stands to reason that mechanical things last longer when not clashed.
Other than when I have to use generous amounts of acceleration to escape a bad situation, I generally try to change gears in such a way that if I had a passenger aboard, they would not be aware of the change of gears.
In my youth, I was into wheelies and as fast an acceleration as I could for the thrill of it. I found I was replacing spokes, tires, gears, and clutches a lot more than my friends. Since I now pride myself on smoooooth gear changes and even when accelerating hard, I let the clutch engage fully and the accelleration begin before opening the throttle fully. My machines thank me for this by lasting much longer now. Like I say, if you prefer to enjoy the surge of power and the jarring engagement of gears for your riding enjoyment that's OK by me but it will wear out parts faster. It' all in what you want from your ride.
P.S I am an old geezer now, and no longer have the reflexes to ride the way I used to. That may have something to do with my change of riding habits.

Phelonius
Note, My first learning indication of the stretched spokes was an unexplained speed wobble that I barely avoided crashing from. If you continue to enjoy aggressive riding, Learn to check and tune your spokes properly. It can help prevent pionting your oil drain plug at the sun, which is something I have always considered bad luck to do while rideing.