Clutch / Transmission Rattle

[dwoytuik]

Hey all, I'm new here, just bought a 2003 Valkerie, cruiser.  I've put about 1000kms on it so far and just had a rattle start in the transmission or clutch (I think.)

The rattle occurs only at speeds above about 50km/hr and 95% of the time its either in neutral or with the clutch lever 100% pulled in, letting it out even 10-15% usually stops the noise.  The rattle/grind is clearly in time with the wheel speed, not engine rpm, and as I said
before, it will grind away as teh bike slows from highway speeds then stop at about 50km/hr.

I noticed prior to this happening that clutch was a bit grabby in th3 last say 20-30% of the throw (most of the way letting out) but you'd only notice it on a moderately hard launch (elevated rpms).

I've searched a few forums including this one the the only thing that seems close is a clutch disc tolerance stack up, but that doesn't explain it suddenly occurring...

Any idea's would be appreciated.

[sandy]

The ‘03 model eliminates the clutch rivet problem. I’d pull the rear wheel/drive unit and inspect all the splines on the drive shaft and wheel splines.

[Steel cowboy]

You did not state the miles on it, but it is 17 years old, has the drive shaft splines been serviced. I would second Sandy’s suggestion to look at the drive shaft and universal Joint too.

[SCain]

Check the left rear wheel bearing.

[Jruby38]

Not trying to hijack the tread but i want to know why Sandy said the 03 model would not have the clutch rivet problem. Did 03 not have a damper plate? I have an 09 with 130k miles and I am on my third clutch because of sheared rivets.

[sandy]

Not trying to hijack the tread but i want to know why Sandy said the 03 model would not have the clutch rivet problem. Did 03 not have a damper plate? I have an 09 with 130k miles and I am on my third clutch because of sheared rivets.

The ‘97-‘99 had a rivet plate supplied by a company that had poor rivets. During the ‘99 year, Honda changed suppliers and upgraded the clutch components. After that, the rivet problem disappeared.

[dwoytuik]

Thanks for the input.  The bike has 26,000miles on it and the previous owner said he serviced the rear end and changed the fluid recently.

I can see a bad u-joint causing noise, but don't understand how the splines could...?

Took it for a couple hour ride today, I determined it will make the same noise sometimes when backing off the throttle at a low rpm.

[Chrisj CMA]

Thanks for the input.  The bike has 26,000miles on it and the previous owner said he serviced the rear end and changed the fluid recently.

I can see a bad u-joint causing noise, but don't understand how the splines could...?

Took it for a couple hour ride today, I determined it will make the same noise sometimes when backing off the throttle at a low rpm.

Sounds like either u-joint or pinion cup. I’m leaning towards pinion cup only because of the low miles. It would be unusual for a u-joint to fail so soon

[Jims99]

I purchased an interstate and was told rearend service was just done and fluids changed. I replaced new looking tire because of age and pulled to check rear. It was dry and orings were shot. Didn’t look like it was touched in years. Thank god no damage. Don’t take the word of po unless you trust them.

[da prez]

  As Jim said , do not trust anyone. Pull it down and check. If you do not know how , there is a member near by.

                               da prez