crack sound from neutral to first gear

[ZJIN1985]

I just bought a 03 SV650S, and everytime I change from neutral to first gear, I can hear a loud 'crack' sound no matter if the bike is warmed up.

Is it normal? Thanks.

And also the front brake doesn't feel good. I can't feel there's enough initial bite. It's like everytime I brake, I really need to pull the brake lever in hard, otherwise the bike just doesn't feel like to stop. The brake fluid has just been changed, and the mechanic said there's still enough brake pad left.

[Tomtoms]

as far as i know the 'crack' is normal. i get it when the bike is cold, or bin left idling for a few minutes....

someone will give a more technical description for you soon!!

[Sid Squid]

Check clutch adjustment. Hold the lever in for a second or two before selecting first.

[plowsie]

Hi revvs also make it do it, I sometimes accidently kick mine in when its got choke on,
"fockin ell" is what I normally say after the heart wrenching CRUNCH!

[jimmy]

mine does it, very annoying

[jumjum_0214]

Check the tension of your chain ;-)

[Sally]

Mine kinda does it too, thats with a new chain on, and only done 50~ miles with it.
Tension is bang on too..
Just one of the things av got used to..

[startrek.steve]

All bikes do it dont they? its a wet clutch thing...
if you think an SV is noisy, try putting a 1965 Triunph into gear!
Steve

[pmapp]

Regarding your brakes, it sounds like there is still air in the system - especially if the fluid has just been changed.

[charlie13]

+1 on correct clutch and chain adjustment. And did I imagine it or did I read niall mac mention in TWO recently that if you roll it forward a few steps with the clutch in before you engage 1st it goes in a bit easier without so much noise? Seems to work when I try it in the flat car park at work, not so easy up the steep path at home.

[hob]

I found shifting to 2nd, then down to first enables a smoother bite.

[RayRay]

when i was learning gears on a 50 it was so much easier to find neutral from 2nd.. thats how smooth it is on a tiny gear box. i'm sure i read something about the gearbox just being more noisy like that when the oil is on its way out?