Enfield/hatz downshifting

[Sphere]

I have the stock gearbox, and I find downshifting awkward. More often than not, my rearwheel locks for a short period. Apparently the flywheel is too heavy to swiftly adapt to the new gear ratio. Will a close ratio set fix this problem, or should I just downshift while upping the revs?

[Diesel Dave]

Lots of possible cures to this one.

If it's just 4 to 3 downshift that your having problems with then yes a close ratio setup will help cure it, it would be better to swap the bushes for phosphor bronze versions at the same time. Sometimes you also need to grind a bit off the outside of the kickstarter shaft where it fits inside the smaller close ratio gear for it to fit.

You should blip the throttle (ok regulator control twistgrip) on the downshifts to match the revs, as this will make it easier for the gear to engauge.

The cush drive clutch is also worthwhile but it's only available in the 350's 3 plate type rather than the 500's 5 plate. It's more than enough to cope with the power though.

[Sphere]

I never downshift to 1st. From 2nd I put it in neutral, if I need to stop. But in city traffic it would be nice to downshift from 4th to 3rd without making semi-emergency stops when cornering, and finding cars pretty close on your taillight... this is problably also the reason why I barely downshift from 3rd to 2nd. Also, I find the engine has enough torque to ride around at 40kph in 4th.