How can they be made to shift easier?
WPC Treatments on all those parts will transform your shifting to be smooth as glass.
But for those on a budget there is other options.
One way is to modify your left engine case to accept a 13mm ID x 19mm OD by 12mm wide needle bearing.
This is placed to support the shift shaft as it leaves the case.
Here is what it looks like stock.
The only support the shift shaft has where it is exiting the crankcase is where is rubs on the crankcase
Here is a pic of the shaft hole drilled out and the bearing installed.
And here it is with a seal installed.
When I do my next one I will use a counterbore and leave a shoulder on the inside so that I do not need to use a retaining compound to hold the bearing in.