I've noticed that my 2000 VTR has a noticeable rattle when running with the clutch engaged (lever released). It happens whether the bike is in neutral or at low speeds in gear. When I pull the clutch in it immediately goes away. I would expect some noise, but I'm wondering how much is normal or if it's indicative of a problem. I'm not certain whether it's actual transmission noise or a worn clutch (basket maybe?).

The clutch engages smoothly and the transmission shifts fine (Apart from the normal, somewhat rough 1-2 shift). I'm not really worried, but I'm new to the bike and I'm trying to get a handle on what to expect. By the way, the bike has 16k miles.

Is anyone else's bike substantially noisier with the clutch out?

-Aaron

 

Noisy clutch is normal with the VTR engine, nothing to worry about.

 

Thanks. That's what I was expecting to hear. It's not necessarily a bad noise, just louder than any other bike I've owned.

 

What kind of oil are you running?

 

I'm using motorcycle-specific Valvoline 10W40 conventional. I've usually run Mobil 1, but the previous owner always used conventional and and the bike has around 16k on the odometer, so I didn't change. Has anyone run into clutch slippage issues using synthetic?

 

I used the motorcycle specific valvoline. It slipped my clutch pretty bad, I couldn't wheelie anymore. Switched to rotella. problem solved.

 

Does this have anything to do with oil? cuz my does that (not noticable unless you pay attendtion to that sound change when you pull in the clutch) since day one (brand new) and I've asked the shop a couple times and they always tell me this is normal, just like the clunky 1st to 2nd shift, there's no cure...

 

Ditto!

 

switch to a synthetic, or partial synthetic with no moly. clutch won't slip anymore. and w/ synth or synth blend it will eat oil a little slower.

 

As for the rattle, I think the only cure is earplugs... I guess there are oils out there which can make your clutch slip but that has nothing to do with the rattle.

BTW, I use Honda GN4 oil and see no reason to even consider something else.