I’ve read reviews of the V100 Mandello and watched many videos. There’s a lot of mention about the loud clunk going into first gear. I think I’d get very tired of that very quickly.
Has anyone had success in reducing it with some particular type of engine oil? Does it improve after a few thousand km?
Alternatively, is there any advantage holding in the clutch for a couple of seconds before engaging first gear, or blipping the engine with the clutch disengaged before engaging first, to allow the gearbox mainshaft to break free of the crankshaft rotation and stop without protest?
After blipping, does the engine momentarily drop below normal idle speed, giving you a brief chance to engage first with less impact?
1400 rpm does seem like a fast idle, but an uneven firing big twin with high compression, a light clutch and no flywheel probably needs it. Personally, I think more rotating mass, a lower idle speed, and less clunk might be preferable, albeit with more torque reaction. I guess MG wants minimal torque reaction while the engine spins rapidly to the stratospheric 9500rpm redline?