Hi guys
I've noticed something really strange yesterday. I started the bike and let's it running for about 5 minutes. First the engine sounds pretty normal like it always is, high rev then slowly drop down. But as soon as it dropped lower than 1k RPM, I've heard something like a grinding sound and it only went away when I slightly squeeze on the clutch. If I release the clutch lever, I can hear that sound again. Does it mean the clutch is slippery and it's time for me to change it or it's normal thing? ...Thanks for the inputs in advance...
BTW, this is my first bike and just had it over 2 weeks

 

what year and how many miles on it?

 

It's an 01 F4i with 9200 miles. It sounds so wierd...

 

ok if it is a grinding like metal to metal sound coming from the clutch area I would pull the clutch out and look at it to see whats going on in there.sometimes the bearings can go bad or the clutch can get to much slop in it to where it hitting things as it turns.so metal to metal is bad you can get those shavings in the motor to circulate and cause more damage.the clutch is not very comlacated so pull it out and check it out, just make sure you have a new gasket to put it back together.

 

thanks Ejohn.. I'll try that this weekend...

 

Another thing that I am surprised no one has mentioned: Your bike shouldn't be idling under 1k RPM's. It says that right in the owner's manual. Keep it between 1,100 and 1,300.

Secondly: Change the oil now. You said it is your first bike but it did belong to someone before you, so you never know what they did to it. I would just make sure the oil is fresh...

After you've adjusted your idle and completed an oil change, let us know if anything changes.

 

Hey, dudes.
jjkukla is right about the idling. There is a idle **** right bellow the seat on the left side. Adjust to about 1500.
Its possible that the grinding noises you hear is the engine and other components stalling.
I dont think its your clutch. My does the same thing when you press the lever there is less noise because there is less tension on the engine.

 

i know my clutch sounds looser when its not in gear and the clutch is let out.
normal or no?

 

I agree alekinci.

-John

 

I personally feel that this is a normal condition... Anyone else?

-John