Both issues ae normal. Even on my V2K, when the tires where new they made a horrible growling noise when rounding corners if they were contacting on the sides. They clunk I still have but I ignore it. It almost goes away when I have a fresh oil change. I haven't gone to syn oil yet. I have talked to people who notice ZERO change in gear noise, shift smoothness, etc... and some swear by it. You'll have to deside that on your own. I do preload the shifter and get a quieter shift but I don't shift exactly the same every time. I don't think anyone does. The more you ride it the more comfortable you get with the little things so go ride that baby.
Welcome to the forum.