So the clutch basket noise on the F4i's seems to be a pretty well known problem, as well as a common one.

Most people tend to ignore it rather than change it out, since its likely to develop the same problem over time. I'm good with this.
My question is ,
What exactly is it that causes this knocking noise? I've heard people say its a worn spring(s). If this is the case what spring would that be?

Or is it something else that causes it?
and lastly is this noise associated with the inner or outer basket?

I haven't opened the clutch up , but from what Ive seen in videos regarding the clutch , I seem to be missing this "spring" that would be causing any rattle.
Anyone able to shed a little light on this for me?
thanks

 

usually on most bikes its the basket itself, where the discs go into the basket with those little tabs, they wear the basket out, and they kinda jog back and forth. im not sure what it is on the f4i, as i've never really seen much wear there

mine was noisy, and when i took it apart and measured everything, i couldn't find anything really wrong with it. the springs were a bit out of spec, i threw new ones in. exact same noise.

recently swapped for a low mileage engine, took that clutch apart too just for kicks, it's like brand new. makes the exact same noise

i saw an f4i come into work with a dead silent clutch, and i went wow, awesome! then i realized the guy had no clutch freeplay...

 

I had to laugh at the last part of your post
Mines dead silent now too, no free play in the clutch cable lol
Thats how I found out it was clutch related , initially I thought something was going in the motor , sure as hell sounded like something in the engine, freaked me out when I first heard it.
Not an ideal solution , and likely going to back it off a touch wont know for sure till I get out on the road (should winter ever decide to go away)

As long it doesnt slip at all, I may leave it.
Still curious as to what the actual issue is with them.

I picked up a set of calipers yesterday to measure everything, though now after reading your post Im not sure I'll find anything that will aid in diagnosing the cause of the sound.

 

you may not feel it slipping...

earplugs are cheaper than rebuilding your clutch.

 

This is true , looking at my desk I see about 20 pairs of earplugs.
Dont happen to see too many clutches sitting there though.

The main thing is , that apparently this noise doesn't seem to cause any damage. So probably better to live with the sound than to replace clutches all the time.

Kind of odd how taking SLIGHT pressure off the plates stops the sound , you would think the opposite would be true.
Unless its a bearing noise or something.