I've been having this problem quite a bit when I get on the VTEC (which isn't that often actually). It's frustrating as #$@ and I thought it was totally driver error. A few weeks ago I had the clutch disk replaced due to the vibrating noise during deceleration at around 4k rpms. It was a big improvement but it actually still has some vibration noise if you mute out the stereo and have the top up. The grind between 1st and 2nd is embarrasing for sure and the dealership will be looking at it tomorrow. I'm hoping they'll just go ahead and repair plus check out the vibrations. I think the valves need adjusting too because cold start ups tend to be rough and I'm in FL where it's 60 in the winter so it's not really "cold." I also have frequent problems getting the tranny into 1st and Reverse cold or warm. I can be at a light and go to pull away into first and it'll take a few attempts to get it into gear. Same thing occassionally backing out of the garage or a parking spot. I'm assuming this might be related to some of the above???

I'll try the "left rail" bit and moving up the seat too but frankly this is getting quite annoying. The car is absolutely one of the most gorgeous cars made in my opinion but the tranny problems are making me wonder of the '01 was a good choice. Slamp me now because I so want to be wrong.

 

All your motions are relative. The slight "hesitation" just before going into gear is relative to the whole shifting procedure. If you're just getting used to manual or a new manual, then your clutch work and gas work will be also slower. Once you can do it all very fast, then the "hesitation", although still there, is still the same small fraction of the whole process. So in answer to your question: No, one can still shift very fast and still allow the tranny that micro second to do what it needs to do. If you're racing, then everything is really moving along - engine speed, road speed, shift speed. Your timing for clutch, gas, stick, must be very exact and calculated or you'll miss your "window of opportunity" - the tranny will slow down at a different rate to your road speed, making more difficult for everything to "mesh" just right.

"Former" - you've been with me when I shift fast. Was it fast and did it grind?

 

After having a ride in xvipers car, I can say that his method is not slow by any means, seems pretty fast to me. I bet he can shift 2 times before I can shift once I think my tranny would be really beat up if I didn't have his tips since I am new to MT.

 

I'm used to manual shifting but it's true, I'm not used to the s2000 yet (started a nice drifting sequence yesterday but then wasted it - while being in pursuit by a yellowish thing looking like a heavily moded camaro or vette couldn't tell because it was dark. Well I had no chance anyway with revs limited to 5.5k ).

I tried to feel what you mentioned and I think I got this "two step feeling". Didn't try the high revs though. But if you won't hear anymore complaints from my side, consider it as a BIG thank you !

It's really amazing.. with my Ford Mondeo you just can force the gears in but with the stook everything's just more subtle. Also shifting gears...

I'm just starting to recalibrate my senses
(and with the help of you guys this procedure might be heavily accelerated !)

 

I had a minor grind today in 2nd. I am not sure if my clutch was totally in but usually I have it all the way in before starting the shift. It didn't make a noise but I felt it in the shifter, minor vibration but felt like gears. This is the first time a grind occured when it is fully engaged in 2nd the other time it wasn't engaged and that was my fault.

Keep me posted on your progress. I am not sure if they truly fixed this problem for the 02' *crosses fingers*

 

Honda tech test drove mine today and said point blank with a car like this you shouldn't have to ride the rails or any of this stuff. Something is wrong in there and we're going to get it fixed for you. They apologized endlessly for the prob and will put it on the rack next week to investigate further. We'll see if it goes away and when soon enough. Will post more later.