OK, I'm new to the Owners Club but have had my Strom for 6 years, getting a bit confused over these rear sprocket spacers, some say add 2mm, some say deduct 2mm from the sprocket/wheel spacers to achieve better chain alignment and smoother gear change, that's a 4mm difference, they can't be both right, what is first critical to check is wheel alignment, the marks on the adjustment guide may not be super accurate and should not be taken as gospel, a chain that seems to be running smooth may be achievable even if the rear sprocket is too far in or out by having a misaligned rear wheel which would compensate, but having a smooth gear change is little compensation for ending up in a hedge cos the bike didn't turn correctly due to mis alignment of the wheels!, the chain would wear out quicker too by running slewed, once that is correct the front to rear sprockets can be checked for alignment, should it be spaced in/out or is already correct, also is the swingarm correctly aligned (centered) and is there any free play in any of the associated bearings.
1st to 2nd gear change can be notchy due to the large difference in their ratios, but taking up the slack in the gear change movement with your foot before making the change can make a huge difference, so of course can a dragging clutch and rubbish oil so worth checking that to. :text-givemebeer: