Wouldn't give mine up. I'm on my third (but then I get the '14 version
, and I have left hand issues
).
A clunk is normal with the FJR when selecting 1st. If changing from neutral to first with the engine running, I always put my rear brake on to prevent any bike movement.
If the bike's been stood for a while, that can make the clutch reluctant to let go.
If the clunk is really severe, it could be that the clutch is sticking, a not uncommon "feature" that can be cured with a little time, nothing to worry about.
The actuators make a bit of a noise when operating; without helmet and earplugs, these will sound quite loud.
Many FJR owners start their bike in first, the starter motor frees the clutch if necessary (long
arguments debates about whether that's too much of a load for the starter motor/battery). In theory, you never need to change into neutral with the AE unless you want to put the bike on its side-stand with the engine running.
As for the U-turn, two ways to deal with it. Dragging the rear brake works well as mentioned above. The other way, if you know it's a really slow turn, slow the bike right down before the turn until the clutch disengages, now bring the throttle up gently so that the clutch is slipping. Hold the clutch slipping through the turn. I've used this many times on steep uphill tight hairpins.
These take a little learning, but once perfected, not a problem.