How much total system backlash?

[850GT_Rider]

Here's one for you...

Sitting astride your shaftie bike, feet on the ground, stands up, engine off, 1st gear, clutch out. How much can you rock fore and aft, lock to lock? 1/4", 1", 6", a foot, more?

This would be, I think, a measure of the total backlash, from transmission to driveline to bevel gears to splines?

Just curious - I'll post what I'm seeing on my bike a bit later. Don't want to influence the conversation just yet.

[Steve]

Haven't tried it "on the ground", but I seem to remember trying to move the rear wheel while it was on the centerstand, it moved an inch or two.

I will be home tomorrow night and can verify that number for you.

.

[1948man]

My foot peg seems to move about 2 or 3 inches. That was the most convenient part of the bike to eyeball.

[1948man]

So what's the magic number 'Golfer?

[Guest]

mine is 2-3 inches at the peg also

[Steve]

OK, update, courtesy of "Junior".

In first gear, the rear wheel moves 1 5/8".

In fifth gear, the rear wheel moves 1 3/8".

Remarkably consistent between those two numbers for the other gears.

The '81 850 is in Flori-duh, my wife's '82 850L is still in the shed, so can't measure either one.



Not that you asked, but in my sense of giving a complete picture:

My Wing also has 1 5/8" in first, but 1 3/4" in fifth.

The other gears were right there, between those two.

.

[850GT_Rider]

OK - mine is about 1 1/2" also. Didn't know if that was excessive or not. I appreciate everyone's input!

Here's why I posed the question: This is my first shaft-driven bike. When I'm at speed (any speed), and give a twist of the wrist, it seems like there is a 'delay' until the additional engine speed gets to the back wheel. It's almost a jerky motion. IF this was a chain-driven machine, I would suspect the chain had some slack in it.

Normal or not for a shaftie is the question.

I have not had the back wheel off yet, but will be doing that shortly to replace the rear tire. I will also inspect and lube everything including the splines.

Any words of wisdom from the collective or something else I should look for?

[850GT_Rider]

Normal or not for a shaftie is the question.

Any words of wisdom from the collective or something else I should look for?

Anyone? Bueller?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Clutch slip? Flat spot in the carb tuning?


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[850GT_Rider]

Thanks. Will check all of that.

IF I had worn splines, how would that affect operation?

[BassCliff]

IF I had worn splines, how would that affect operation?

Hi,

I don't think worn splines add any noticeable lash, until they actually go out. I've seen some pictures of very thin splines posted here. They work until they wear completely through, and then you go nowhere. You put it in gear, let out the clutch, and everything spins except the back wheel. That's why visual inspection and lube (Honda Moly 60 paste, or better) is necessary at every tire change.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[850GT_Rider]

Thanks again for your input!

Work and weather are finally aligning, so I hope to spend some significant time on it between now and Easter. I'm WAY behind my original timeline....