1st gear CLACK

[LongRanger_imp]

Cold engine or warm, fresh oil or due for a change, it doesn't matter... When I pull in the clutch at a stop and engage first gear, the action sounds like a bolt-action rifle. Clack! Ear plugs don't seem to help.

Anyone else experiencing this on their '14? The gearbox is otherwise very smooth-shifting and quiet. Engine idle is 1000 rpm. I've never had a wet-clutch bike that makes a racket like this when shifting into first from a standstill.

[the Ferret]

Yours clacks? Mine clunks.

Seriously every motorcycle I have ever owned clunks going into first. Everything in the trans is static so its more mash then mesh if you get my drift.

[MikeOxbig_imp]

It does that on all bikes I've owned and currently own. From neutral to first = clunk!

My Aprilia is even more violent when shifting to first, the whole bike shakes. More like CLUNK!!!!

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Mine if more of "PUH-TUNK!" So, no, can't say I'm experiencing the same thing. You better get that checked out.

[kmoney_imp]

The chain adjustment seems to make a big difference on these to the "cathunk" into first, but yeah, every bike I've had has done this.

[WhiskeyUSMC1979_imp]

Odd, mine goes "Get Some! Let's Ride!" every time I shift into first.

At least that is what I hear inside my helmet. lol


Sent from an undisclosed location

[LongRanger_imp]

Interesting, thanks. It may be common among CB1100's, but my wet-clutch CBR250R engaged with merely a click, as did my Concours 1000 twenty years ago (when the engine was at operating temperature). My other bikes have a dry clutch and are relatively clunk-free.

[JustPassinThru_imp]

My wet-clutch TW200 goes in fine.

But I've discussed the Honda clutch with two techs at two Honda bike agencies, and they all agree - mine is normal; and I'm guessing it sounds just like yours.

I don't take it out of gear at lights. If it's a long light, as many near my home are...I kill the engine. Only rarely do I put it in gear with the engine running. If I start it up cold in neutral, I'll kill it to put it in gear and restart it.

I may eventually have to buy a starter - but that's probably cheaper than a transmission rebuild.

[ingobohn_imp]

Interesting ... when I went from my Transalp 700 to CB 1100 I was very surprised when I engaged the 1st gear at my CB the first time. My Transalp was so smooth and silent when putting in the 1st gear, but the CB is a bit more rustic.
So far I thought "it is because of more horse power and mor torque".

[emptysea]

My wet-clutch TW200 goes in fine.

But I've discussed the Honda clutch with two techs at two Honda bike agencies, and they all agree - mine is normal; and I'm guessing it sounds just like yours.

I don't take it out of gear at lights. If it's a long light, as many near my home are...I kill the engine. Only rarely do I put it in gear with the engine running. If I start it up cold in neutral, I'll kill it to put it in gear and restart it.

I may eventually have to buy a starter - but that's probably cheaper than a transmission rebuild.

Yeah...ummm...don't anyone think that a) it's a good idea to shut off your bike at long lights or b) that starting your bike in gear in any way saves your transmission.

The thunk (aka clack, aka clunk) is normal and is not harming your engine or transmission at all.