Clutch noise

[Nessmuk]

My first proper post here and it's a bit long I'm afraid, sorry. I'm hoping to upgrade to a Transalp in the near future and I went to take a look at a possible new bike yesterday, a black '2003 650.

It's not in the best condition but not too bad either, one thing that concerns me about it is some noise from the clutch. The bike hasn't been used much in the last year or two but started up fine, no smoke or other nasties. I'm not familiar with the Transalp engine but I couldn't hear anything that I didn't like the sound of, that is until the clutch was pulled in!

It then started to rattle somewhat, the guy from the dealer reckoned it sounded a bit off too so he went to get his boss. His boss reckoned it was just the clutch plates and basket rattling around, and started comparing it to a Duke dry clutch! It did sound like it could be plates rattling but I've never known another clutch to make such a noise. I've known bikes that are noisy until the clutch is pulled in, my Serow being one and an FZ6 I was riding recently too. Both making noise from the primary drive gears I guess.

The dealer will service, MOT etc if I buy and also give a 6 month warranty as well as tidy up a few bits that need doing. I reckon I'm going to take it for a test ride anyway to get some experience of the model in general, but should I walk away from this bike and wait for something else, or is this noise nothing to be worried about?

TIA,

Simon.

[T ALP]

Doesn't sound right to me, I would look for another one there's got to be plenty of choice.
Iv'e always seen warranty's as dubious and then there's the hassle of getting things put right even if the warranty is good, might as well have a bike thats right to start with!

[tramp]

walk away it aint a Duke its a tranny,

when its cold outside below 5c when these bikes are started all should be quiet, till the clutch pulled in then you get a small rattle for about 60secs till the plates seperate as oil is cold also.

Otherwise if you dont pull clutch in first[when forst started ] before engaging 1st gear they clunk, mine drops into gear smothly and is a 04 with 28k so barely run in.

Plenty about especially off ebay so have a good look and find whats right for you, all dealers want is your money and a dubious warrentytrust your gut feeling and if possible get someone to go with you who knows these bikes.

[StumpyFingers]

I would also suggest walking away, I also have an '04 with 29,000 and it does not make any noises that it shouldn't.

[Nessmuk]

walk away it aint a Duke its a tranny,

when its cold outside below 5c when these bikes are started all should be quiet, till the clutch pulled in then you get a small rattle for about 60secs till the plates seperate as oil is cold also.

Interesting that you say that. It was only a couple of degrees out, and as I said it has been standing a little while. Didn't try holding the clutch for 60 secs, wonder if the rattle would have stopped?

Thanks for the replies, walking away does seem like the way to go. Maybe...

I'm going to arrange a test ride for next weekend so I can get a feel for the TA as I've never ridden one before. If the rattle is no longer there then I may reconsider.

Simon.

[Steve T]

Do the test ride bit and then, once all the internals have had a good coating of oil and warmed up, see if the noise is still present (my betting is that it wont be there).

PS - dont be expecting the temperature gauge to move much past the first line on the gauge - "they all do that sir"

Enjoy the ride and best of luck with the bike hunt.

PPS - there is an '03 TA with less than 15k miles on it - follow this linky thingy . .

www.Transalp.org :: View topic - 2003 transalp for sale

[Nessmuk]

Cheers Steve, that is a very nice looking TA. Better than the one I was looking at, less miles and cheaper too.

I'm think I'm going to be having a chat with the missus tonight. It's the other side of London to me but it might be worth travelling for.

Simon

[Steve T]

I've let the man know your looking - try and get to him before he punts in onto fleabay.

Hope it works out

Steve T

[Nessmuk]

Thanks Steve, I 'phoned him this morning too. I just wanted to ask a couple of question about the bike before deciding whether or not to travel.

I just need to convince the missus now


Simon

[Nessmuk]

Bugger!!

I'd managed to talk the missus round, well almost, and planned to go along on Saturday to see the blue TA. After phoning Nick I couldn't resist, it sounded too good to miss.

He called me today to say there is a problem and he can't sell at the moment, I'm totally gutted.

Still, I've got a test ride on the other one booked for Saturday morning so I guess it aint all bad.