An observation on shifting the XS1100

[BA80]

Mine shifts just fine. I don't even use the clutch on upshifts. The power shift takes a little practice to perfect but once you do it shifts smooth.

Down shifting requires the use of the clutch however.

[donebysunday]

Rev

I've found that when downshifting giving the engine a little blip of the throttle seems to get the gears to trans from engine going as fast as the lower gear I'm shifting into.
When I start the bike cold I do it in neutral let it warm up and if in a hurry before it's warmed but oil circulated turn it off put it in gear and start it again so I don't get that big KUR-CHUNK. This also makes sure the clutch is freed up and not dragging. If I put it in gear while choke (enrichener) is on and the bike still reving, clutch still dragging I will get a most bone chilling KLANK AND LURCH. I keep a finger on the front brake lever to avoid the lurch always when starting in gear.
If the clutch is adjusted right and the engine is warm and reving 1000-1100 rpm. it snicks into gear sweet as can be, such as dealing with long light, trains and such hold ups.