Hi Eggsy
I have an MC28 too, and when I first got it I thought the gear change and transmission was harsh.
Never remembered it being like this when a had an MC21 sp.
Then a mate of mine pointed out that like his NC30 the pro arm units don't have a cush drive in them and therefore all the thrust etc is taken up by the chain..
He said that keeping the chain clean and well maintained is essential.

it all made sense when I swapped between cush drive bike and the MC28..
sometimes it seems smooth them other times notchy.