Motorcycle Repair: transmission noise, clutch slave cylinder, clutch springs

Question
Hello, on our way back from tahoe yesterday I heard a noise coming from the left side of the transmission case.  After stopping and actually hearing and feeling the side case, the clutch handle began jerking in slightly and making a lot of noise when I pulled it in all the way.  My friend said something about the clutch plate loosening up and banging on the case.  Does this sound like the remedy or do you think it may be something else?

thanks, steve

Answer
Hi Steve.

It could be the clutch plates, but unless the bike is really old, I am more inclined to believe that it is something else.  If you have a hydraulic clutch, then it could be the clutch slave cylinder coming loose, which is an easy fix, or you could have something in the clutch which is sticking and there is the possibility of one or more bad clutch springs.

Check that out and see for sure.  The specs for the clutchbasket assembly are in the repair manual.  Make sure that everything is within specs.

Let me know what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON