03 11S. Clacking noise from clutch area when hot.
Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2017 3:15 pm
Hi All.
Looking for ideas from knowledgeable souls to help me get to bottom of this:
I've eliminated these sources of clacking noises:
- cam chain tensioners/guides.
- timing chain tensioner/guide (front of motor).
- TB butterfly spindle bearings - L & R.
- TB vacuum imbalance.
Symptoms:
- starting from cold: no noises; idles like a sewing machine.
- as engine warms up, clacking noise slowly appears, and gets progressively louder until engine is hot.
- when riding, noise is quite audible, but only on deceleration, below 3000 rpm.
- feel the clacking through the bars - fairly strongly.
- clutch operates smoothly. No change to noise whether clutch in or out
Oops: left out that the noise is coming from the clutch housing, immediately behind the engine.
Have stethoscoped poor old HerrFlick to death, and now fearing I might have to perform major explorative surgery.
Has been driving me even more batty than usual. Arrrgggh.
37,000 mi. (67,000 km).
Cheers and thanks.
John C.
Looking for ideas from knowledgeable souls to help me get to bottom of this:
I've eliminated these sources of clacking noises:
- cam chain tensioners/guides.
- timing chain tensioner/guide (front of motor).
- TB butterfly spindle bearings - L & R.
- TB vacuum imbalance.
Symptoms:
- starting from cold: no noises; idles like a sewing machine.
- as engine warms up, clacking noise slowly appears, and gets progressively louder until engine is hot.
- when riding, noise is quite audible, but only on deceleration, below 3000 rpm.
- feel the clacking through the bars - fairly strongly.
- clutch operates smoothly. No change to noise whether clutch in or out
Oops: left out that the noise is coming from the clutch housing, immediately behind the engine.
Have stethoscoped poor old HerrFlick to death, and now fearing I might have to perform major explorative surgery.

Has been driving me even more batty than usual. Arrrgggh.

37,000 mi. (67,000 km).
Cheers and thanks.
John C.