2nd gear pops out
 

Does anyone know why my vtr pops out of second gear. if I hold the shifter up with my foot it will stay in just long enough to get into 3rd.if I try to shift normal it goes into 2nd but when you give it a little gas it pops out and you can keep trying to shift up but it just keeps missing.

There is an issue with the shifting "dogs" or something like that I remember being addressed in the archives. Try searching for it and you may find it.

Bent shifter fork. Too many forced 1-2 shifts, usually without using the clutch. Possible dog problem. The bent fork is easier to fix than the dog wear, which requires complete teardown of the tranny and replacement of gears. Either way I think you have to split the cases. Not cheap. Not easy. Sorry to break it to ya bro.

Yeah it was those dogs - not the ones with two dicks

Is the 1st-2nd transition real chunky/clunky on SH's in general? Everything on the bike is like butter...except those 1-2 shifts.

2nd gear
 

I was afraid of that.I was hoping it was the star indicator.

LOL!!! :) :) :)

Yep, I had the same thing happen on my old FZR600. I used to drag race at Gateway at least once a week, I won a couple trophies and some money too:D . Yamahas are known for this problem, but I hadn't heard of this problem on Hondas. If you are mechanically inclined you can do the job yourself. I did when I was still a bit squidish (about 12 years ago). Look beyond the shift forks while you are in there, you might find more damage. Check the shaft the forks ride on, it could be bent.

Good Luck,
Matt