Clonky Final Drive

[cockneyjanner]

Hi All,

I've just got back from 3 days touring around north Wales, and my 1200GS has developed a fault. I think that the fault was apparent before I set off but it has got significantly worse over the last 1000 miles.

When I put the bike into first gear there is a very noticeable clonk, and then when pulling away there is a heavy vibration which sounds fairly terminal. As soon as the bike is moving at anything above 5mph the vibration and the noise fade to nothing.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? Is this another one of the known faults?

I really love my bike but I'm getting the feeling it was thrown together on a Friday afternoon.

 

[Les Wassall]

Put it on full stand and see if there is any play in the rear wheel, also knock the rear brake of the disk so it's not making contact and then spin the wheel and feel what it is like.
If it feels gritty then it's the bearing

 

[RickG]

The 'clonk' when putting it into gear is typical of the clutch dragging. I'm guessing but the vibration may then be due to it slipping as you pull away. Both could be caused by oil contamination from the dreaded oil seal failure. Guess it's worth a look to see if any signs of oil around the crankcase joint?

 

[jeffers]

I have had my 04 1200 for about 6 weeks, its done 14000 miles and the clutch seems to bang in and out, i can hear it if i ride without earplugs, there is no apparant vibration at present and was led to believe they all do this.

i am however going to try my mates bike to see if his makes the same kind of noise.

 

[cockneyjanner]

I've now had the bike checked out by CW and their senior mechanic was able to cure the vibration. Apparently the problem was partially caused by a warped clutch, which he slipped for long enough to wear off the high spots, which has now made it true.

I couldn't decide if I was chuffed to have it cured so easily, or if I was horrified at the brutality of it! The clutch is fairly new having had it replaced after the common oil leak, but I'm expecting that this rectification has shortened the life of it by a considerable amount.

The banging into gear is caused by my own lack of mechanical sympathy apparently, and a slower more gentle action sees it go into gear quite smoothly. I think that my clutch/gear technique is a product of riding Jap bikes with chain drive, and I need to show a bit more care

 

[Twotter]

I think I'd be a bit horrified too.

As for the clunky gear change, try 'preloading' the gear lever prior to changing up. Just give it a nudge up with your foot, hold it there, and then when you pull in the clutch lever it should engage more easily

 

[GS TRV]

oh the joys of GS ownership

 

[lgsand]

Those japs again - they have bred a generation of lazy bikers. If you did that to a Norton or any brit bike in the "old days" the machine would soon voice its displeasure by leaving you stranded in the middle of nowehere. Slipping the clutch to true it up sounds a bit crude to say the least. If it was a new clutch changed with the rear seal - surely it is a repair warranty job? The cure is something you might consider in the sudan to get you to a workshop but in the UK - er NUP!!!!