Motorcycle Repair: Honda cb900f clutch noises, honda cb900f, clutch basket

Question
Hello. I'm the original owner of a 1982 CB900F. Mileage is 32K. Its making a rather disturbing clatter with a noticeable whine when started cold. I'll pull in the clutch lever and it will reduce the noise significantly. Thought I was hearing the timing chains too at first but after adjusting both tensioners its down to the clutch assembly. Functionally all is well, and on arrival at my destination the idle speed and noises are what i would call 'familiar'. i'd like to know whats happening and if i need to take action or (as some of my  brother CB'ers suggest)-do nothing its normal for its age) I'd like to mention that my riding style is NOT radical or race oriented. Oil changed religiously at 2k intervals. Appreciate your time.

Answer
Dana, The clutches are chain driven, as you probably know. There is a tensioner for the primary chain, which can fail/wear over time.

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb900f-900-super-sport-82-us_model7251/partslist/E++1...

There are rubber dampers in the drive as well. See #9 in above link illustration that can harden, shrink and loosen up, causing noise. You might check the clutch basket to see if it is solidly on the input shaft and not wobbling around on the bushing.

If you don't see big chunks of stuff coming out of the oil and filter when you change oil, then it is probably something like the dampers that really won't hurt much, until they begin to deteriorate and throw out pieces into the lube system.

Clutch rattle is increased if the engine is out of balance... uneven compression and/or carb synchronization issues.

Bill Silver