In neutral - when clutch is let out

[J V McLure]

I have noticed that when I have my Valkyrie in neutral and I let out the clutch I hear a slightly different sound and a light vibration. Is that normal or something to be concerned about? The bike has less then 20K miles on it.

[Gryphon Rider]

Not to worry, this is normal.

[Jeff K]

I have noticed that when I have my Valkyrie in neutral and I let out the clutch I hear a slightly different sound and a light vibration. Is that normal or something to be concerned about? The bike has less then 20K miles on it.

Valkyrie transmissions are constant mesh, so when the clutch is out there are a bunch of gears spinning away. No big deal it's normal.

[DFragn]

I agree with Gryphon and at 20k is normal.
However, if you should detect a discernible increase in noise with higher mileage in could be that your beginning to loose rivets in the clutch dampener plate. Excessive noise beyond what you now hear is usually caused by the dampener plate springs beginning to stack & unstack between the plates. When they stack they press or warp the clutch outer plate. The friction plates are rarely involved as they hold up very well.

This wouldn't be a common problem at 20k. Reported occurrences have been at 35k-55k and up. Unless the rider has been very very hard on the clutch.
Other then an increase is noise with the clutch engaged and in neutral the first sign would be the restriction of the clutch lever & then difficulty getting into 1st gear. When that happens it's downhill quickly and the risk of becoming stranded increases.

Most never have this problem at all even at better then 100k miles.

Just something to be aware of.
Consistent hole shots, racing and sloppy lever work are generally the causes over time.

Stacked springs & plate warpage.


Loose spring example.

[J V McLure]

Thank's guys for the info. Sounds like all she needs right now is a butt in the seat - thank goodness.

That clutch repair looks like either a lot of work or one hell of a nasty bill from the service center.

I agree with Gryphon and at 20k is normal.
However, if you should detect a discernible increase in noise with higher mileage in could be that your beginning to loose rivets in the clutch dampener plate. Excessive noise beyond what you now hear is usually caused by the dampener plate springs beginning to stack & unstack between the plates. When they stack they press or warp the clutch outer plate. The friction plates are rarely involved as they hold up very well.

This wouldn't be a common problem at 20k. Reported occurrences have been at 35k-55k and up. Unless the rider has been very very hard on the clutch.
Other then an increase is noise with the clutch engaged and in neutral the first sign would be the restriction of the clutch lever & then difficulty getting into 1st gear. When that happens it's downhill quickly and the risk of becoming stranded increases.

Most never have this problem at all even at better then 100k miles.

Just something to be aware of.
Consistent hole shots, racing and sloppy lever work are generally the causes over time.

Stacked springs & plate warpage.


Loose spring example.

[DFragn]

Thank's guys for the info. Sounds like all she needs right now is a butt in the seat - thank goodness.

That clutch repair looks like either a lot of work or one hell of a nasty bill from the service center.

It was my 1st time. It took a fair amount of it too.
My local Chicago dealer wanted $1,400.00 for it! So I took it on myself for about $350.00.