Honda transalp 700, bad gear changes

My TA700 is increasingly becoming difficult to change smoothly, especially up between first and second but other gear on occasion are bad too.

I've adjusted the clutch free plat as per spec
Neutral is easy to find
Neutral to first is unusually clunky
Doesn't feel like clutch is dragging if in first and you rev her up with the clutch in.
I checked oil level and it's not over full
Changed from Activo-X to Yamalube in the hopes that it would improve but it got worse, mineral oil.
Changes are better when it's still cold
Change at very low rpm is not too clunky
Other gears are generally really smooth but every now and again it also gets that horrible metallic feel.
Primary drive chain tension is as per spec, 40mm free play
Clutch cable is smooth on the pull and doesn't feel overly heavy, rough or jerky. No snatching when releasing the clutch.


I'm thinking the clutch plates are warping when it gets hot but I'm speculating. Anyone want to take a guess, maybe someone who knows this bikes mechanics. New clutch plates (friction and fibre plates) fromHonda is quite reasonable at about 2k.