Hi Guys,

I bought this bike 3 weeks ago. It was cheap so I'm not too worried about having to fix this but I want to be able to continue riding ASAP. I mostly understand the slipping clutch and 2nd gear issue, but am wondering if anyone can give me some ideas on the awful 'tinkling' sound.

1. Clutch: When my friend test rode it, he indicated the clutch was weak. Since then I changed the oil (Mobil 1 MXT, probably not the problem), and I have been riding it hard (more likely causing the clutch issue.) Its plenty strong enough to ride, but once the revs get toward 10k in 2nd or higher it slips.

2. 2nd Gear: Again, I believe this was an issue when I bought it, but its been getting much worse. Happens when shifting 1-2, pops into neutral. May have been around 6k rpm like I heard others complain about.

3. Tinkling / Rattling sound: I have an APE, which I adjusted prior to this new noise so I know what the cam chain sounds like, this is not it. The noise seems to happen with increasing or decreasing revs in the low rpm range, maybe 2k-4k. It disappears at higher revs (drowned out possibly, but I think it actually stops)

Anybody know what I am looking at here? Since all these things happened over the same period, is there a link? I am wondering if maybe there is something like a broken clutch spring, which would cause the clutch to slip and make an awful noise like that. I understand the 2nd gear issue is probably separate and caused by a bent shift fork.

Thanks!

 

1. Is Mobil 1 MXT a motorcycle specific oil? it MUST be safe for use with a wet clutch.

2. Check your chain tension, if the chain is too loose or too tight it can cause shifting problems, other than that, just make sure your shift lever is in a comfortable position and you shift affirmatively (shift hard). A non wet-clutch type oil may cause the clutch to stick also making shifts a little harder.

3. Is it something on your bike vibrating? The fuel tank tends to vibrate against the frame rails and air box, use foam tape between the points of contact to kill that nasty buzzing.

 

Thanks Hershey, I figured you would chime in =)

I did have the tank off, but it really doesn't sound like tank against frame. It really sounds like something broken off vibrating around inside the engine. Also, it has gotten worse over the last week, however I will try foam tape.

The mobil 1 was bike specific, so that shouldn't be the problem. The chain was also recently adjusted.

As far as the shifting goes, I have noticed degradation in the last couple weeks. I know I can hold it in gear but I'd rather fix it...

 

Popping out of 2nd can also be caused by worn dogs on the 2nd gear too. Having them backcut or swap in a good tranny from another F2.

 

It's a long shot, but changing the clutch plates on my bike helped with shifting through N, 1-2.

After changing the chain/sprockets, clutch, and switching to Amsoil full synth. I've never had any problems.

 

I have a good transmission is you end up needing it! $100

 

I got the clutch apart last night. Weirdly, all the friction plates were stock thickness, though the b plate was pretty burned looking. The springs were at their service limit (1.4mm under original), and the steel plates were all fine (flat and no scoring) except one which was just past the flatness service limit. Also, the steel plates had a few 'blued' marks on them from the heat of the slipping clutch.

My plan of action is to replace the springs, friction plates, and one steel plate out of spec. I can't for the life of me think of a good reason to replace all the steels as a unit (I'm a mechanical engineer.) It's weird the clutch was slipping, I was using motorcycle specific Mobil 1 MX4T, though I have heard a friend complain of a similar issue on his dirtbike, with stock thickness plates that were still slipping.

I was quite annoyed with Honda however, I asked for all the parts for my clutch and they sent me along with 5 plates... I rode out 45 minutes to my brothers place planning on having dinner then fixing the bike and riding home. He had to drive me home, and now I have to bus back and fix the bike another day

 

Clutch replaced, chain tensioned, still pops out of second. Really embarassing when I am booting it from stoplight to stoplight downtown =)

Whats the best plan of action? Shift forks and gears from a working bike? Do I need anything else from the trans? I don't know trannys that well...

I was pleasantly surprised with how easy the clutch job was... bikes are such a pleasure to work on compared to my old BMW 7!

 

I am having a similar issue Mullenc525, every now and again it pops out of second right when I shift into second, but Ive only been riding my F2 for about 70 miles so Im just a noob and probably miss shifting, Though i have a similar ticking and rattle-ish noise as well mostly in lower RPMs, when i pull in the clutch lever to shift or just pull it in at a stop the noise goes away.
let me know what happens.
-J

 

Regarding:
3. Tinkling / Rattling sound: I have an APE, which I adjusted prior to this new noise so I know what the cam chain sounds like, this is not it. The noise seems to happen with increasing or decreasing revs in the low rpm range, maybe 2k-4k. It disappears at higher revs (drowned out possibly, but I think it actually stops).

Check your spark plugs are tightened properly. I found out mine where loose and some of the compression was lost due to that. It's a pain to tighten with the correct tension.
It also makes the gear shift easier and more smooth. It runs like a charm now with 69K km.