Clunking on gear changing

hoyhoy9 · Post by **hoyhoy9** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:36 pm

Hi Guys (and Gals),
whilst i understand that there can be a certain amount of noise when engaging first gear, i have noise in nearly all gears, especially when downchanging from third into second, and fourth into third gear. I also have noise when shifting up, especially from second into third. However, if i am just coming off the throttle prior to shifting, i more often than not have less noise.

Is this normal for our wonderful bike, or does anybody have any ideas for me to solve the problem?

Cheers,

Mike

hoyhoy9 · Post by **hoyhoy9** » Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:39 pm

Sorry, forgot to say that the bike is a 96 model with 26000 Km on the clock an otherwise runs like a gem

Mike

Post by **Kevtrx849** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 3:15 am

G'day Mike, i've usually found that clunky gearchanges are an indication of the oil going off. After an oil change the box feels smoother but gradually gets clunkier until the 4-5000 km mark. Depends on the oil really. Motul semi synth was very noticeable but the Penrite i use at the moment seems to hang in there a bit longer. Been some good reports on Silkolene over the years as well. You'll always get that big clunk into first no matter what oil you use, best method is to pump the lever about 6 times and roll the bike forward slightly as you select.
CYA, Kev.

hoyhoy9 · Post by **hoyhoy9** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:40 am

Kev,
thnaks for the reply!
changed the oil just 600kms ago (Castrol Semi-synthetic), also installed stronger clutch springs. The clutch friction plates are still within limits, but towards the lower end. Could the gearchange linkage system have an influence, i.e. if too tight????

The noise or clunking, as if i have to force the gear in, mainly occurs at low revs, or when downshifting. If i change at revs over 3000 rpm and shift up the moment i start pulling the clutch lever (almost like shifting with no clutch) then everything is fine. Downshifting from third to second is the main problem.

HolerTogni · Post by **HolerTogni** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:13 am

Hi hoyhoy!

Don't you rev her a bit while downshifting?

At first it's fun (at least with termignonis) and moreover you support your gearbox by giving it a short blow (with the throttle) while downshifting - kind of like in the old times when gears were not synchronized yet: double clutching with intermediate throttle application (but letting your clutch lever pulled).

Mine does a little clunk occasionally when I shift up too fast from 1st to 2nd.

Silent greetings from Munich!

hoyhoy9 · Post by **hoyhoy9** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:12 pm

HolerTogni

Yep, tried all that too, works sometimes, but more oftenthan not, it doesnt help either....

I am slowly getting frustrated

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:21 pm

This could sound completely ridiculous, but....

I notice that my gearchanges aren't quite as easy, and get clunkier, when the chain is in need of adjustment (even ever so slightly).

I know this is really basic stuff, so sorry if this was the first thing you looked at.

hoyhoy9 · Post by **hoyhoy9** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 12:35 pm

Good idea, have not treid to see whether this is an influence yet, will do so.

Now this will sound stupid: Do you find this if the chain is too loose or over-tightened?? Would a worn out chain have the same effect. The chain and the sprockets on my TRX look good enough, i bought the bike with 20000 KMs on the clock, dont know hold old the chain is. t now has 26000 kms. If it was the first chain, is it really time to replace it...

Post by **Kevtrx849** » Thu Apr 26, 2007 6:55 pm

Good call with the chain Dee, too loose will give you clunking as the chain will snatch. If it's the original chain and sprockets they will be getting a little tired, check for tight spots. Throttle freeplay might come into it as well if the shift and blip aren't syncronised well. 26,000 kms sounds a bit early for a clutch overhaul, depends on how hard a life it's had i suppose. My bike is at 80,000 and i've only adjusted my clutch once. I actually reversed my linkage very early on as i was getting lots of false neutrals and with the 1 up 4 down pattern i get none.
But saying all that i've always found that Yamaha gearboxes are very agricutural in nature compared to other Japanese manufacturers anyway. And more robust than some.
CYA, Kev.