How loud should I let the clutch get before I get concerned?

The clutch basket (at least I think that's what is causing the noise) is getting steadily louder. Clutch out at idle = big rattle. Clutch in or on the move = no noise.

It's not Ducati loud or anything, but it is appreciable. I always run some form of synthetic oil (mostly Mobil but sometimes Castrol and always 10W-40) and typically run a K&N oil filter. Current oil is pretty fresh, but it does have a track day on it.

Everything else is fine. Clutch engages just fine. Bike runs just fine. Just noisy at idle in neutral.

Mike

This describes mine, more or less. I am just going with it.

My buddy's '95 does the same thing and I wondered what the sound was... so what part of the clutch basket is it that makes the noise? And is it a sign of tolerances getting too large, and thus the basket needs replaced?

I've got a '99 with more than 82,000 miles and it makes no noise. I personally would want to take a look at it, if it did...
For the cost of a gasket, I'd say it's worth knowing. If you do it on the side stand, you won't loose much oil.

I've got a '99 with more than 82,000 miles and it makes no noise. I personally would want to take a look at it, if it did...
For the cost of a gasket, I'd say it's worth knowing. If you do it on the side stand, you won't loose much oil.

I agree with wanting to take a look at it. It shouldn't make noise and if it does, some hard parts are knocking on each other and causing potential damage.

What is the cause of the noise ? I also have this, is not loud just barely noticeable ...

From what i understood this is caused by the pressure bearing but I'm not sure witch one, the idea is that the problem persists and it's getting worse through time and when the sound is too loud then will be the time for servicing.

It's probably a good idea to service before it gets Ducati dry clutch loud. :goofy:

If you can hear it, it's too loud already.

I have to say the VFR is the quitest clutch Ive had on any bike and we are talking a 100,000 mile clutch, offroad bikes tend to develope clutch basket rattle cause of the abuse, but the vfr, I cant imagine what it would take to make it rattle that bad.

Mine was louder on my 6th gen new, than my buddy's 5th gen. Its the plates ears smacking the basket I believe. My bike has about 70k miles and it hasnt gotten any worse or caused problems.

Same thing, pull in the lever no noise.

On a mx race bike the clutch gets destroyed. The clutch ears will wear grooves in the basket and stick. Clutch action will be less.

My bike has done it since day one.

Don't forget to check the throttle body synchronization. If it is not correct it will cause a roughness at idle that will shake the gears on the shafts causing a rattle with clutch out in neutral. Pull clutch in and noise goes away. Also when riding the geartrain is loaded and does not make any noise. If it was a bad throwout bearing it would make more noise with clutch in as it is now loaded.If it was a worn basket (notched badly from plates ) it would be causing disengagement issues and and grabbing/chattering when letting clutch lever out. just trying to save ripping into it if you don't have to.Had the same thing happen with my '93. At idle it did not sound too bad (idle wise) but had a nasty rattle/knock in neutral clutch lever out. Put the gauges on it and sure enough it had 2 cylinders way out. I reset idle mixtures and synchronized all the carbs and it runs smooth with no rattles at all.
Just my .02 worth.
Kevin