Total Motorcycle Community Forums

When I let out the clutch to get going from a stoplight, I hear a kind of clanking-almost grinding-sound possibly coming from the gearbox. It only happens when engaging first or second gear, and there is no such sound when I'm cruising. It's as if the gears are having trouble meshing, or maybe there is slack in the chain or something. Any ideas? I think it's getting more prominent too, so I wanna figure out what it is.

Could it be clutch rattle? Worn clutch basket fingers or clutch support bearings might cause a noise like that......

If so, would this require immediate service, 'cause I can't really afford it right now.

Are you properly pulling in the clutch when you shift gears or (sorry) are you pulling a verm and only partially pulling it in? Such can easily cause damage to you're gear box over time.