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This problem is not specific to Hondas, though I've never experienced it. Triumph Bonnevilles were/are notorious for this; I have experienced this. Here's some advice from the Triumphrat.net forum:Start the bike, pull in the clutch lever and rev it from idle 4 or 5 times and then shut it down. Now pull in the clutch and kick it to confirm that the clutch has been broken free. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I've gotten so I do this on all my electric start only bikes as well and that first shift into first is just a snick instead of a clunk or bang. Might help, and apparently avoids/prevents that horrible crunching sound you get sometimes when trying to engage 1st.