Clutch noise and engine vibrations 08 GSA

[Bendy toy]

The bike is an 08 GSA with 40K miles and full service history.

The clutch/geabox has always been a little rattly with gearbox in neutral but quiet when lever is pulled in. There is no release bearing noise and the clutch works fine. However the noise seems to have got worse and I suspect engine vibration is worse. Last week it was a coarse vibration.

The vibes seem to be engine related, because they vanish if I pull the clutch and free wheel along.

A sales bloke at Benham BMW (workshop closed at the time) said they all rattle a bit in neutral, but thought mine is louder than normal. But how many 40K bikes does he get to hear on a regular basis?

I'm suspecting -

• Clutch friction plate is running loose on its splines enough to cause the vibes. But this does not explain the rattle when clutch plates are closed (engaged) and gone when clutch lever pulled in (disengaged).
  
  
• The gearbox input shaft bearing is failing so pulling the clutch supports the bearing. However, there are no leaks, no noises under power and gear shifts are as good (or bad) as ever.

Am I catastrophising?

Can anyone explain how clutch noises relate to wear in the friction plate or even the input shaft.

 

[Pukmeister]

My previous 1200 was the same (an '04 model) at a similar mileage but gave no problems. I put it down to a little extra endfloat due to wear somewhere within the box.

My current 08 hasn't done as many miles as yours so can't comment about that.

 

[G5RJO]

.

My 52k miler '08 GSA does the same. I was so concerned at about 45k that I tore it in half and did the clutch. The old one was about half worn.

There are all sorts of explanations given in various forums from dry or worn splines (my splines were perfect) worn gearbox bearings (my ones seemed fine) to gearboxes about to explode and even crankshaft end float issues.... Who knows...

I've serviced quite a few R1200's in various guises and ages and the rattle seems common at various volumes when hot after about 20k miles.

I have my own opinion and think it relates to the clutch pushrod. Remove the rear wheel, rear shock and clutch slave. The pushrod will pull out easily to the rear. Grease up a new felt bush (It fits half way down the rod) rebuild it all and the sound will be a LOT less for a few thousand miles. I think that the rod rattles with wear.

Next time I'm in there I will change the rod and felt again.

Roger.

 

[jags]

rattle

it's ages since i've had my rod felt.

 

[birdseye]

I've got an 08 with a rattle on start up and for a few moments after that. Not a bearing knock ( I know what that sounds like) but certainly as if something is waiting for oil to get there

Any ideas?

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine clatters for a second on start-up (but so did my Yamaha 900). I think its oil not yet circulated which has to be a case for something like Molyslip in the engine oil. The rattle when gears are in neutral isnt the same sound (than goodness).

 

[birdseye]

Listening for sounds can make you a sort of mechanical hypochondriac particularly if you read all the tales of woe on here. Mine doesnt seem to make any rattle in neutral but it certainly has a noticeable whine at about 2200 rpm.

 

[Pukmeister]

I've got an 08 with a rattle on start up and for a few moments after that. Not a bearing knock ( I know what that sounds like) but certainly as if something is waiting for oil to get there

Any ideas?

Probably the hydraulic cam chain tensioner not fully pumped up until the engine develops oil pressure.

 

[phooey]

My 52k miler '08 GSA does the same.
I have my own opinion and think it relates to the clutch pushrod. Remove the rear wheel, rear shock and clutch slave. The pushrod will pull out easily to the rear. Grease up a new felt bush (It fits half way down the rod) rebuild it all and the sound will be a LOT less for a few thousand miles. I think that the rod rattles with wear.

Next time I'm in there I will change the rod and felt again.

Roger.

My 08 GSA is on 52k miles and has had the rattle for the last 15 - 20k. Jonno at Adv Bike W'house gave a similar explanation IIRC. Pull the lever in and the rattle stops.

 

[morty]

just fill it with red diesel & now you've got a tractor noises and all.

 

[juddadredd]

Mine sounds like my tool kit when I thorw it in to the back of my car (bag of spanners) but while I hear the judders and the gurgles and the little clinks I feel safe knowing that it's running, I dread the day when I hear either a BANG or NOTHING at all.

 

[Bendy toy]

I was out today around town. Smooth as a babies bottom with just a bit more noise in neutral than with clutch pulled in. I wasn't able to rev it above 4500 (loud pipe and speed limits) so couldnt judge the vibes. But the rattle is slightly worse when its warmed up so I'm going to see how some new gearbox oil affects it.

Oops I just mentioned the O word

D