Clutch Question

[Lyle Laun]

I've been tracking down a "rattle" and think I am getting it isolated down to something clutch.

Here's the symptoms:
- it's a knocking/tapping sound similar to what you would hear with a leaking exhaust gasket
- I can feel it through/around the alternator cover
- will only do it if bike is in gear and moving

I've got a couple of other Valks and this isn't normal for our bikes.

Tried just about everything, new belts, alternator, covers, insulation, gaskets, desmog ports, new tires, driveline, wheel bearings, etc.

The clutch works exactly as it should but The noise goes away if I pull in the clutch. Read up on clutch noises, this isn't a "squeak" or a "squeal" but is a knock/thump/hammer type of sound.

Any ideas ? It's driving me crazy but I'm really not ready to do the clutch if this isn't it.

Thanks in advance
Lyle...

[Hook#3287]

Sounds like it could be the rivets in Clutch Plate B.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1998/GL1500C+A/CLUTCH/parts.html

#6

Only way to know is to pull the clutch cover and inspect.  Not that hard to do.  You'll have to look for metal pieces in the bottom of the cover or clutch area.

If it is, the clutch will stop working correctly.  When mine went, the clutch worked, just really jerky and the lever was spongie.  It was good enough to get home.