Motorcycle Repair: VT1100C 1986 Gearbox, drive line components, clutch plates

Question
Hi Mark! The bike has 59,000 miles. Selecting the gears I hear a "clung" noise coming from the gearbox, also feeling a bit hard the selection on the left foot. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and OD keep their position staying firm,and pushing good on aceleration and reducing speed, by the way no light OD on the panel goes on, the noise is ONLY during selection, operating the clutch lever. I´m wondering if something disastrous with the gearbox is coming or there is a clutch problem...! Thanks a lot for your help! Pablo

Answer
Hi Pablo,

The sounds and sensations you're feeling are common.

When the crankshaft and transmission drive shaft are rotating and engaging with the non-rotating clutch and transmission driven shaft (and other drive line components), the result is the clung or clunk sounds.

Consider flushing the clutch hydraulic system and bleeding the system.

Consider replaing the metal and fiber clutch plates and springs. I suspect these have never been replaced. Always replace clutch plates and springs as a three part set. Same with chains and sprockets. There are no exceptions.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively