Guys,

My '21 has had a very loud dry clutch since I got it and today it finally irritated me enough that I took it apart. Everything looks like it should from the manual and the rubber insulators are still on the inside fiber plate. The "thin" steel plate was in the middle so I moved it to the back because the manual showed a different plate back there - no difference in sound. It only makes the noise when the clutch lever is pulled (clutch disengaged). Same noise as my other 2 dry clutches, but MUCH LOUDER.

Andy I know you would love these magical tunes played by the cycle, but when cruising the local college I fear the girls are wondering what that horrible racket is instead of looking at the handsome fellow riding the bike! That needs to change.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R5bj8HpWOA

Any thoughts?


Last edited by craigsutton on Fri May 07, 2010 10:00 pm; edited 2 times in total

My old '18 had a much louder clutch compared to my newer '18. The reason I found was it was fitted with after-market plates which had a little more clearance on the teeth compared to the OE ones. This allowed them to rattle more in the basket when the clutch is disengaged.
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Thanks much Steve, I wondered if that was the problem. I swapped these for the ones that were in the track bike and now I can't tell if it's the same or quieter. Those ones said KV3 on the outsides so I knew they were Honda plates (the others didn't have anything on them).

Link added to original post.

Different set of plates:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJn1mKyWKUM

I've never heard two the same. Some seem loud, some don't, why are you concerned?
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Mine rattles and bangs more than that without the lever pulled in!

Wouldn't have it any other way!
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To be honest I was concerned because this set was so much louder than the others and I didn't want it to mean that someone had been in there and done something which could cause damage over time. When I found that the insulators were there it really made me wonder what was going on. I'm honestly wondering now if this is a stock pipes vs aftermarket issue making me think that the clutches are quieter on the other ones when in reality they may not be!

On my track bike I think it'd be neat if it was LOUD-loud, but on the street bike I'd rather it be a bit quieter (see reason in original post).

If the clutch doesn't sound like it's going to explode, you're doing it wrong!

Actually Craig, that thing sounds similar to mine, so I couldn't tell you if something is wrong.

Actually I think it's sorted now. Just another example of non-Honda = not as good for normal use. After taking it for a ride I think it's where it should be compared to before. I'll put the aftermarket plates in the race bike where it doesn't matter how loud they are. A bonus that I hadn't expected was a major clutch adjustment. I hadn't done it yet because I was waiting till I had the bodywork off again, but it sure tightened everything up nicely. Now I let the lever out 1/4" and it's starting to engage (just the way I like it).