Slipper clutch noise?

[Shopmonkey]

OK gents, this is my first post, so please be gentle.

2013 water-cooled GS, 17,500 miles. When in first gear, clutch disengaged and coasting (less than 5 MPH), there is a banging sound and corrsponding feeling through the footpegs, almost like a u-joint is binding.

You can also feel it when pushing the bike around in first, with the clutch disengaged and engine running.

The bike runs and shifts perfectly otherwise. There are no unusual vibrations at speed, just the chunkachunka when coasting to a stop, or downhill under 5 MPH.

On the center stand and in neutral, you can spin the rear tire by hand, and no noise or clunking is present. With the engine off and in neutral, you can't feel any roughness in the driveline when turning the rear wheel.

I'm thinking it is a characteristic of the slipper clutch, but wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this before I take it to the dealer.

Cheers,

-Drew
Virginia, USA

 

[Nutty]

Some folks had issues when riding the bike solo, in 2 up mode. What setting are you riding in?

 

[Shopmonkey]

No mode. I own one of the few bikes with the 'Standard' package- no ESA, no Ride Modes, no ESC. The only option it has is cruise control.

I visited my dealer today, and although he hadn't ridden the bike, he says the noise is probably the slipper clutch ramps.

I'll have them ride it when I bring it back for the left switchgear and instrument cluster replacements.

 

[batman1]

Mine does not do this, its nice and smooth, and so was my previous LC.