1st/2nd not snicking in/out of gear smoothly - Clutch drag?

[b1k3rdude]

• I'd start with adjusting the cable. Biting from 1 inch out doesn't seem like enough to fully disengage.
  
• Had similar symptoms a while ago with 1st and 2nd at low speeds, and struggled to find neutral. Adjusting the cable did the trick.
  

• The bike came with span adjustable levers, so the biting point is separate to the cable adjustment. I need to buy a s/h original lever to compare.
  
• I forgot to mention that the issue like yours is more noticeable at low speeds, but its still not as smooth as my bandit 600 at any speed.
  

there was a thread on this a few weeks ago with a multitude of things that it could be.

This would be handy

• just below max seems to be the sweet spot for me but YMMV.
  
• And any slack in the gear change lever will also cause sloppy gear changes.
  

• That's a new one on me, will have to check.
  
• Hmm I don't think its got any noticeable slack, but will check.
  

I noticed loads of used chain lube that had gone to a thick sticky mess around the front sprocket,

I dont understand how that would effect gear change action, but if its dry enough this weekend it cant hurt to clean that area in any event.