What would be the cause for a 2001 Yamaha R6 to have a hard shift in its gears?

Question

I have a 2001 Yamaha R6 and when I shift gears it seems like the bike pulls real hard and it just doesn't seem to be smooth shifts in the gears.

Answer 1

try changing the oil because it also lubricates the transmission.

Answer 2

Put the bike on a stand (to get the R wheel off the ground).
With the engine off, shift through the gears (move the R wheel to aid in shifting).
If it's still hard to shift, the clutch has nothing to do with the problem.
Worn or bent shift forks - worn grooves on the shift drum - bent shift shaft, external shift linkage, or shift lever/pivot.

Answer 3

The clutch could be worn. It happened to me. It is not a hard fix but a very expensive one.