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**Anonymous** · 05-07-2003, 05:24 PM

I have somewhat the same noise on my gs1100. I wrote a note the other day as the subject noisy clutch, look at some of the answers I got. I am 1st going to try tightening the clutch nut, if this doesn' work I will replace the clutch.

**Anonymous** · 05-08-2003, 04:24 AM

Re: Gear shifting clunky

Originally posted by JGonier

On my 1982 GS850GL shifting the gears seem to always sound like I'm shifting a Harley. Loud clunks when I shift the gears up or down (sort of like I'm shifting with the clutch not pulled in all the way, but it is). I have also noticed in the past week that sometimes when sitting at a light my motor starts to make a light rattling/clunking noise (can't tell if it's the left or right side though), but stops right away when I release the clutch a little (has only happend twice).

I have not looked into this at all yet, but could this be just low fluid in the gear case or is something starting to go bad on me?

Any input would be great.

My '82 GS850G can be rather clunky if I'm not careful to get changes right. It's better since changing to Castrol GPS semi-synthetic oil. I also start it in gear when cold to stop a loud thunk and jerk.

Oddly it can variable that seems to bear no relationship with temperature. Perhaps the clutch isn't 100%, although it's not slipping, noisy or rough on takeup.

Guess you've got to accept a 20 year old bike is going to have some lovable tractor qualities :-)

**redliner1973** · 05-08-2003, 01:45 PM

Mine also does this, and have learned how to shift to prevent it. I think it may be caused by the oil continuing to spin the clutch discs sort of like the way a torque converter in a car does. i think this becuase most GS's rear tires will roll alittle in neutral with the center stand down and the rear wheel off the ground. i have found if i back off teh throttle right before pulling the clutch in to shift, it smooths out perfectly. took practice, but works on mine..Hope that helps. :twisted:

**Anonymous** · 05-08-2003, 03:15 PM

Originally posted by propflux01

Mine also does this, and have learned how to shift to prevent it. I think it may be caused by the oil continuing to spin the clutch discs sort of like the way a torque converter in a car does. i think this becuase most GS's rear tires will roll alittle in neutral with the center stand down and the rear wheel off the ground. i have found if i back off teh throttle right before pulling the clutch in to shift, it smooths out perfectly. took practice, but works on mine..Hope that helps. :twisted:

The rear wheel will spin in neutral with the clutch released due to oil drag in the constant mesh gearbox workings. It may also spin with the clutch pulled in, and that's clutch drag (plus the gearbox drag).

Another thing that can make changes rough is engine tune. You're on the money with the throttle control bit. My carbies are showing signs of needing some work (at least a balance) and you lose that little bit of precision needed to keep things smooth.

cheers
David

**Jay B** · 05-08-2003, 08:13 PM

ANother question....How long between oil changes. Older oil will cause this.

**redliner1973** · 05-08-2003, 08:51 PM

Originally posted by Jay B

ANother question....How long between oil changes. Older oil will cause this.

especially 10w-40... :twisted:

**earlfor** · 05-08-2003, 10:05 PM

Re: Gear shifting clunky

The engine and transmission both run in the same oil. If the oil in your engine is old, it will lose some of its lubrication ability and could result in rough shifting of the gears. The clutch lever should have about 1/8" free play between it and the housing on the handlebar. If the lever is adjusted too tight, you will most likely hear a rattling sound from the right engine case. When you apply power (twist on throttle), the bike accelerates and when you twist off the throttle, the bike deaccelerates. There is a point between these two where the bike is neither accelerating nor deaccelerating and the load on the transmission is zero. That is the point at which you want to make your gearshifts. when you shift gears, you should roll off throttle. when you have rolled off enough throttle to find the
"zero zone", your make your shift, then add throttle back. It should be as smooth a transition as an automatic transmission. Its just a quick flick of the wrist, bump the next gear and wrist back on the throttle. Takes about 1/4 second. :-) You shift when there is no load on the transmission. Its dead smooth this way............takes a little practice. :-) :-)

Earl

[quote="JGonier"]On my 1982 GS850GL shifting the gears seem to always sound like I'm shifting a Harley. Loud clunks when I shift the gears up or down (sort of like I'm shifting with the clutch not pulled in all the way, but it is). I have also noticed in the past week that sometimes when sitting at a light my motor starts to make a light rattling/clunking noise (can't tell if it's the left or right side though), but stops right away when I release the clutch a little (has only happend twice).

I have not looked into this at all yet, but could this be just low fluid in the gear case or is something starting to go bad on me?

Any input would be great.[/quote

]

**Anonymous** · 05-12-2003, 03:46 PM

I think I have confused some of you on this post. When I said I hear a clunky/rattling noise coming from the engine, what I ment was, this happens when I am just sitting at a light with the clutch pulled in. I am not even moving. I never get this noise when riding. As far as the clunky shifting, I have found a way for smoother shifting as earl had stated, but some days I just want to GET ON THAT GAS AND GOOOO, course then I have to live with the clunky shifting.

Oil is fresh this season so I know that is not my problem with the rattling noise when sitting still.

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