How big is this issue?

[Larry Fine]

Unlike a dry clutch, the driven plates of a wet clutch continue to rotate because of the oil, so you have to overcome the drag to stop the gears from spinning. That can make the first-second shift clunky, too.

A few things to experiment with, in no particular order:

Wait a second or two after pulling in the clutch before shifting.

Make the shift from neutral into first decisively, firmly, quickly.

Try "preloading" the shifter with a little pressure before shifting.

[Gene]

Mollusc,
I don't disagree with you, but if I remember from a long time ago, (when I was a teen) my Yamaha's, Suzuki's Kawasaki's, Ossa's, Bultaco, etc didn't klunk like my two Honda's, the 550 and 650. Different designs I assume.

[Bob H]

[mollusc]

Yes, different designs, different chamfers on the teeth, etc.  My ,82 Yamaha doesn't have as bad a clunk into first as my 80s Hondas have all had, but it's still there.

[draser]

No clunking on my 82-84 Magnas... maybe because it's shaft driven and has an oil "clunk" damper. Pretty nice first gear engagement.

[mollusc]

The '84-'86 Nighthawks are all shaft drive with damper cups.  My CX (also shaft drive) used to do it as well.  I guess be happy if you have a bike that doesn't do it!

[Gene]

Admin, I don't disagree with you, but my other motorcycles, (Yamaha, Suzuki Kawasaki, Ossa and Bultaco) didn't klunk nearly as much as my Honda.
I wonder if the Goldwings klunk also?

[mollusc]

I'm not disagreeing either.  As I said, different bikes have different designs.