last oil change I asked the mechanic to open the cover and have a look. We found the second gear is completely worn down. Perfect timing, just before my trip... my love/hate relationship continues with the Long March..

Right, the engine came apart, and in went a new second gear, new oil, fire it up... things turn. OK, thats a good sign. Put the engine in the bike, gas up .. tada !!! Wheels turning!

What's the problem? When I downshift from second to first, I hear a rattling sound until the bike starts pulling again. I'm scared this will grind my first gear down like the second gear. Now I try to use the brake to slow the bike down more than just using the engine, as I should be doing. Maybe I'm too slow on the throttle/clutch release? Well, if so that's because I want to slow down.

Any idea what could be the issue? What should I look out for? Chain tension is ok, chain is lubed, bike up-shifts just fine.