I have a 86 Carrara with 88,000 mi. Switched to redline trans oil and it made a difference. I find that if I am gentle, not speed shifting, it just slips in, not dependent on rpm at all. Any 1-2 quickly will not work. The drive train has never been apart. Dan Jacobs drove the car and he said it was slightly worn, don't do anything now.
M

M, thanks for your comment. When this symptom happens, you cannot select second on the first try; it thoroughly baulks and requires another tug or three. Other times, it's slick and beautiful in the way that makes some people like 915's more than the mondo-synchronized G50.

Dan Jacobs is top-notch...you're in great hands there. John

My 84 with 77k miles is exactly the same as described by jjeffries. It will usually slip right into second from when cold and frequently needs a second or third tug once the oil warms up. Seems to balk but never grind more often on the third to second downshift but maybe that is in my mind. I have taken all the usual steps also in replacing every part under the shift lever, Kendall, trans inspection plate and fork check, new shift coupling and coupling adjustment perhaps a dozen times. Yes, I also double clutch and keep the revs above 4000 for the shift. All other gears are perfect. It is like shift fork doesn't quite want to go in to the dongle easily or some mechanical item is just a fraction off. I would say the balky shift happens about 25% of the time. It does take away from some of the driving experience particularly when going from 3 to 2 since you don't know what you are going to get. If you determine what the issue is, please post as I have heard the same issue in older threads