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Weird Noise When In Neutral With Clutch Out

9 posts Started 3 Feb 2016 Last recovered post 3 Feb 2016 Wayback Machine snapshot 12 Sep 2017

#1

So I just bought a 6th gen (2007) VFR and am going through some basic maintence. I went ahead and flushed all the brakes and I just finished flushing the clutch (Good god that was nasty. Actual chunks of stuff in there).

However, I noticed that when the bike is in neutral if you let the clutch out is make kind of a rumbling sound. As soon as you pull the clutch in the noise stops.

Also, despite vacuum bleeding fresh fluid into it the clutch seems to only engage in about the 1/2-3/4 inch of the travel. Bike as 23k miles.

Any thoughts?

#2
Epiclobotomy

So I just bought a 6th gen (2007) VFR and am going through some basic maintence. I went ahead and flushed all the brakes and I just finished flushing the clutch (Good god that was nasty. Actual chunks of stuff in there).

However, I noticed that when the bike is in neutral if you let the clutch out is make kind of a rumbling sound. As soon as you pull the clutch in the noise stops.

Also, despite vacuum bleeding fresh fluid into it the clutch seems to only engage in about the 1/2-3/4 inch of the travel. Bike as 23k miles.

Any thoughts?

This is going to sound weird, and a bit of a conspiracy theory, but the infamous "Honda Clutch Rattle" comes to mind from the CB750's, my '81 SS suffers from it. Apparently, there's trace remnants for all of Hondas. This is totally useless information, just interesting to think about

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#3

I found a video of a guy with a VFR that was making a similar sound. He said it was the main clutch bearing. Going to keep researching though

#4

After reading a bit more, I guess it's just a "honda" thing lol. Several people have perfectly described the problem.

Bike sounds perfect, however when in neutral with the clutch out it gets a bit louder (rumbly/rattle) and rougher. As soon as you pull the clutch in it immediately goes back to "normal".

It looks like people have spent a lot of time trying to track down the problem. Replacing clutches, needle bearings, etc.

Sorry for a pointless post, Just trying to get familiar with the bike.

#5

no worries, plenty pointless posts around, that's half of the fun here!

#6

I've been around a lot of VFR's and Honda's and never heard of this issue before. My BMW 328i makes a similar sound and I was told by a BMW tech that it is usually a sign of a worn bearing in the clutch system.

I know I am comparing cars to bikes, but the point here is I would want to know what risk you pose to you or the bike by riding it as it is, versus re working the clutch system.

Disclaimer: I am very anal, and little issues like rattles and squeaks bother me, so I would want it fixed if possible. I realize many people aren't bothered by these issues as long as the bike runs.

FWIW

-PRB

#7

yup its normal. my 2007 has been doing it since new and i am at 70,000 miles now. its fine. hasnt blown up yet.

#8

My old vfr doesn't do it.. Nor did my cb750.. Def clutch drum!/springs/ something ain't right imo.. I wouldn't like to be driving it like that.. Maybe something to do with selector forks in neutral?

In had same issue.. Turned out a fork was worn on the round bit on tip, replaced and smooth as butter since.. Very easy for noise to travel inside a motor..

Good luck!

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#9

My 2005 VFR has done that since new. Not griding or any damaging type of sound just a whirring or turning sound when the bike is in neutral. Never had an issue with the clutch or shifting over the life of the bike. Unless it sounds really wrong, it probably isn't.

End of thread · 9 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 12 Sep 2017