I also have the 2nd gear issue. I sent my gears together with the two axles to MT Performance and have them undercut and back-cut all the gears while the engine was down, also bought 3 new shift forks. After reassembling the engine, I re-jetted & synchronized the carbs. I have full Akra on it, K&N air-filter, 50mm Velocity stacks, I've Ivan Jet kit on it & air airbox modification and flo-commander on both pilot & main air jets(But these doesn't make great difference). If your bike is well jetted and well synchronized the low end will surely be very strong and the rest of your power curve too.