clutch basket noises?

[honstan3]

hi too all, anyone heard of clutch basket noises on tickover?. on my fourpot?. had a honda 400/4,+550/4 restorer/mechanic at local bike shop saying my bike has this, and not to worry, weak clutch springs? or wear and tear,(bikes only done 19k) over to you, cheers honstan3.

[tom400f]

Conventionally the answer is "they all do that mate" and not to worry. However it does seem there is a matter of degree, because until I heard Simon's (Lobo's) 400F I would have just ignored it.

I believe Simon fitted new damper rubbers in his clutch basket (not so simple, you need to drill out the rivets and tap the holes for reassembly using screws) obtained from this guy: http://www.ttr400.com/index.html

Oh, and I'm assuming this is the rattle that disappears when you disengage the clutch. Thing is, the demise of these rubbers does not seem to be age related, as my bike is (of course) 36 yrs old but has next to no miles on it, so the load must do for them in the end. 19k miles doesn't seem like much.

I do wonder about Mr Honda in this respect, as my VFR (1995 26k miles) is the same. Do other makes have this issue too?

[Lobo]

Hi Honstan3

This thread documents a few of the possible noises the 400  may suffer @ tick over. At abouts page #3 clutch basket rattle is discussed. Some good info here..

As as very quick check (clutch or otherwise) try pulling out the dipstick & then starting the engine.... mine went from a muted type rattle to a very loud / metallic one. If you're really keen... take off the clutch basket, reassemble the bike (inc oil!) and start... mine suddenly silky smooth / quiet.

Bottom line, its likely to be the clutch basket rubbers.

Good luck,
Simon

http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,4353.0.html

[honstan3]

hi and thanks for your help/input guys,for the time being,if it isnt broke, leave well alone brigade school of thought,me- thinks !.cheers honstan3.

[bike-pusher]

Simply balancing the carbs makes a difference.  Yes, "They all do that", and I've never worried about it.

[paul G]

I'm with bike pusher balance the carb's first makes a great deal of difference.

[honstan3]

hi to all, thanks for your input guys, will keep that in mind( whats left that is!) cheers honstan3...