Clunking when on and off the throttle

[saleenguy25]

Ive had my 2000 Valkyrie for 3 weeks or so. I notice
 a bit of a clunk in the transmission when I go on and off the throttle hard. Like 3rd gear and give it a good twist and then back off and do it again. Is this the sign of a bad U joint? Or is this normal??
Bike only has 22000 miles.
Thanks in advance

[Chippy01]

Could be U-joint or cush-drive rubbers failing. You'll need to remove the back wheel to check either properly.

[Earl43P]

"Some clunking is normal"....but it's well worth doing the rear spline service to check the UJoint, moly paste the pinion cup & final drive splines and inspect those Cush-Drive rubbers, particularly since it is new to you. Gives you a chance to lube the brake caliper pins, check/replace pads, push out and clean the caliper pistons, inspect the rear shock bushings, you see where I'm going with this.

OR, you could ride the snot out of it for thousands of miles, wear out those tires and THEN....(re-read the paragraph above).

I vote snot.

[Jess from VA]

Assuming it's not the Ujoint (which should go completely out any time if it is going bad, so don't go too far) (with a lot of clunking and grinding), it's very likely the dampner rubbers in the rear wheel assembly.  Easy on goosing the throttle (or dropping the clutch) in the meantime.

Regardless of miles, rubber does not last forever (or 21 years), so order a set of those right away.  There used to be two sets: one for standards (2-piece) and one for interstates (1-piece), but only the 1-piece are available anymore (with the inserts already installed in them), which was always a better design (and fit all years and models of Valkyries).

Number 1 in this fishe:
https://www.procaliber.com/oem-parts?aribrand=HOM&arian=MOTORCYCLE#/Honda_Powersports/GL1500CFA_(99)_VALKYRIE_INTERSTATE%2c_USA%2c_VIN%23_1HFSC410-XA000001/REAR_WHEEL/61347acc-638e-40e4-aa4f-0fceb839ab88/b81dc208-929f-4689-a4c9-7ed0d5035d35/y



They only go in one way.  If you put them in upside down, the cover plate won't seat properly.

You might also want to order a spare thrust washer (#4) since they often go missing (or forgotten), and are important to the life of the rear drive.

[Steel cowboy]

Check your rear shock upper bushings too.
22,000 miles on the engine, but 20 years takes its toll on rubber detiriating and grease drying up. All our bikes will need more maintenance as the years add up, but they'll run forever if you keep up on them.

[Simmy74]

Another possible source would be loose hard bag mounts, if you have an Interstate and hard luggage.

[rug_burn]

  My guess would be the propellor splines going into the pinion cup.   I've never had a u joint go bad, or those rubbers, but have had the drive (propellor) shaft splines wear out a couple times. 
  The good news is that the shaft and pinion cup and the seal all together cost less than a typical motorcycle drive chain does... so it shouldn't be too much cause for alarm.    Just make sure to fix it, because it will leave you stranded on the side of the road, every time (in my experience.)   And lube everything in sight when you do;  this includes the drive shaft splines up at the u-joint, ring gear splines, etc.    I only use a dab or two of the moly paste, and the rest regular heavy wheel bearing grease.  You can do the job without pulling the swing arm, too, but it takes a little patience.