Clutch slippage question

[Lefurre]

Still new to riding - working on the basics as I should - so this might just be a "It's all new to me and I dont know better yet" thing.

Sometimes, in the process of taking off in first gear - the clutch is eased out to where it should be fully engaged, and the bike starts rolling with throttle (good so far) - but then I can hear the continous clicking of the gear as its engaging. The power delivery isnt jerky or anything - its just that its clicking quite a bit. It goes away after a second or two.

The bike is over 20 years old, and Im sure that when Im not about its crying out at the abuse it's taking from this ham-fisted fool that rides it - but really - any good way to tell if the clutch is becoming an issue ?

Lef{FF}

[mswarrior]

You mention sometimes? Is it all the time or sometimes?

[Lefurre]

I'll get the clicking some of the time starting off in first - not all the time - not being able to ride just yet is limiting my testing to see how often it happens

So I might take off at 1 light and Ill start rolling in first with no sound - then at another Ill take off and it sounds like the gear isnt fully engaged yet for the first second or two

Lef{FF}

[Skier]

Huh. I have the same kind of clicking problem with my Radian, only it's usually when I'm coming to a stop, in first, with the clutch level pulled in.

No FREAKING clue what it is, but I've put almost 3,000 miles on it like that. I'll wait for something to disasteriously fail, I guess.

[Ladymx]

Clutch might need a bit of adjustment. Its hard to know , what kind of bike is it? Some Yam's dont have the smoothest shifting, especially in first and second.

[Lefurre]

1983 Honda CM250C - predecessor to the Nighthawk 250 (in fact still uses the same frame, fork, engine, etc....)

Might just be I need some work on my shifting - if it would just stop pouring outside I could go work on that ....

Lef{FF}

[BuzZz]

It could be the clutch basket has some grooves worn into it from the tangs on the plates. As you engage or disengage the clutch, the plates click and rattle as they pass over these grooves. It is nothing to get too concerned about untill the engagement gets too erratic. Then you have to replace the clutch basket along with the plates.

IF thats what it is......

[Lefurre]

Weather finally cleared enuff to take the bike out for a good bit yesterday - guessing it's a lil bit o wear and just me needing some work on my shifting

Lef{FF}

[gsJack]

Lefurre, sounds like chain noise to me. Is there too much slack in the chain? Are there any kinks in the chain. Very common stuff on an old bike unless chain and front sprocket have been changed recently.

Skier, that sounds like a worn front sprocket. Clicks on the overrun. Also possibly a kinked or loose chain.

Chains and sprockets should be checked first for those kind of noises.