Gearbox clunk from standstill

[Mayfield]

Hi there,

When I set off from a standstill, there is a noticeable clunk/click from the front sprocket area before the play is taken up and I move off. When the bike is on the centre stand, in gear with the engine off, the wheel can be rotated back and forth maybe an inch/inch and a half at the circumference. Which seems a bit much to me.

The slack isn't in the chain or sprockets, which are almost new and adjusted within spec. It's better than it was - the old chain and cogs were pretty bad and they did have slack..

Is this normal? There don't seem to be any other issues, shift is fine if a little clunky. Problem is, I have never ridden another one, so I can't compare.

It's a 2000 FI with only only about 35K on it. I've had it for about 1500 miles, bought from a friend about six months ago.

Sounds to me like there is play in the gearbox, but I don't know anyone else with one to compare it to. Could this indicate the clutch need replacing?

Any advice gratefully received.

 

[Duck n Dive]

"They all do it"


Don't worry ... it's normal.

You can reduce/eliminate it with techique though ....

Pull the clutch in and then hesitate a second or so before engaging 1st.

You'll find that if you anticipate the change from neutral to first in this way it will often snick into gear without a sound.

A little bit of practice and you'll figure out the ideal "wait" moment ... it's not much.

 

[Mayfield]

Thanks for the reply.

It's not the "into gear clonk" I'm talking about, it's the play in the drivetrain after it's in gear. You did mention that.

When I let out the clutch to move off, there is a noticeable rotation of the gearset before the chain takes up the slack. Once I picked it up, I started getting paranoid.

Your comment on tractor box is good. It seems like the only dud spot in a very smooth performance. The bike's not mine!

I'm going to check the cush drive and other bits today.

Cheers.

 

[Jaws]

Hi and welcome to the forum Mayfield

Yep, as already said, in best dealer speak they all do that..

The reason being, there is no syncro ring on first AND they are pucka straight cut gears to handle the BHP being stuck through them

But yes, do check the chain tension and remember, if you have a spacer fitted you need to check the slack with someone on the bike ideally.

If you REALLY dislike it and cannot stop doing it, put it in to 2nd before down in to 1st.. That will get the gearbox spinning up nicely and reduce the clonk dramatically