GS1100E rattle/clunking during clutch engagement

[dweller]

When I'm taking off from a start and the clutch lever is about halfway out, I'm getting a sort of clunk/rattle. It also sometimes occurs when engaging the clutch in other gears. And even occassionally when gasing it off idle. I replaced the stator about 2000 miles ago and did not notice any issues with the nut on that end of the crank. I'm also sometimes getting a strange rattle/hesitation when engaging the starter, especially when the bike is warm. Could the two be related? Thanks for any suggestions.

[Rijko]

Have you checked the starter clutch, maybe one or more of the holding screws have broken or backed out ?

[tom203]

Have you checked the starter clutch, maybe one or more of the holding screws have broken or backed out ?

Yes, I'd start there, so take off stator cover and investigate. And maybe your rotor is slipping on crank at startup causing odd noises.

[Guest]

I just took care of 1 broken bolt and 2 loose ones on my 1100e starter clutch....helluva racket at idle before, silky smooth now.

[Carter Turk]

You'll need the rotor puller to get at the starter clutch. Mine loosened again on Friday.
If you pullout the dowel & small gear engaging starter motor, a little wiggle of starter clutch behind rotor
will help determine if its loose & the big gear will turn only one way.

[dweller]

Great advice guys, thanks. What type of puller are folks using? I have several styles.

[tom203]

You likely need a special puller with female thread that screws on rotor hub.....avoid using a gear puller that grabs on rotor periphery

[Guest]

Great advice guys, thanks. What type of puller are folks using? I have several styles.

I got mine off Amazon...

[Guest]

You'll need the rotor puller to get at the starter clutch. Mine loosened again on Friday.
If you pullout the dowel & small gear engaging starter motor, a little wiggle of starter clutch behind rotor
will help determine if its loose & the big gear will turn only one way.

Have you had constant trouble of the 3 bolts loosening back up? This 1100e is new to me and my first at that, I replaced the starter clutch bolts on mine and torqued them to spec using red loctite....should I have to keep a close eye on it when I get the bike on the road??

[Carter Turk]

Have you had constant trouble of the 3 bolts loosening back up? This 1100e is new to me and my first at that, I replaced the starter clutch bolts on mine and torqued them to spec using red loctite....should I have to keep a close eye on it when I get the bike on the road??

I'd say so...I've destroyed 10 of them in 26 years of ownership. Shot pins, gear explosions, sheared bolts, crank damage, connecting rod replacement, pistons scored, missing gear teeth, 60 grit rollers, ugh. Keep an ear out for a rattly/shearing sound that goes away mostly with rpm above idle.

Then, some folks have no issues whatsoever

[dweller]

Okay then, I won't be starting let alone riding my bike until I pull the side cover and check it out. Thanks.

[Guest]

I'd say so...I've destroyed 10 of them in 26 years of ownership. Shot pins, gear explosions, sheared bolts, crank damage, connecting rod replacement, pistons scored, missing gear teeth, 60 grit rollers, ugh. Keep an ear out for a rattly/shearing sound that goes away mostly with rpm above idle.

Then, some folks have no issues whatsoever

Wow....that is good to know. I'm glad the previous owner of my bike parked it years ago at the first sign of rattle.

[dweller]

I got mine off Amazon...

Would you happen to have a model number for that puller? Thanks

[tom203]

You can PM him in case he misses this ?
measure the external threads on your rotor to be sure before ordeing!

[Guest]

Would you happen to have a model number for that puller? Thanks

This is the same one I ordered. I searched the description on Amazon a d found one there but didnt save a whole lot by doing so....this one is on Z1's website.