Clutch / Second Gear

[Hooter]

Ordered a 2013 Rocket III Touring in February of this year. I was told it would take up to 3 months to get the bike. I wanted a bike that no one around here had and decided on the Rocket.
The bike came in just in time for my first trip late May. I had to get 500 miles on it within a week so first service could be done. Working 2 jobs and with some rain I managed over that in 5 days. The first service was done by the dealer and I was off. (that will be the first and last time for that)
Question: As I approach 3000 miles, when the bike is in neutral setting still, the clutch seems to be getting noisier, kind of like a light rattle / growl. Now second gear seems to have some slop in it as well while the rest of the transmission seems tight. I don't have a hard riding style, never lugged or over-reved. Is it common with the clutch to have some noise while at idle? Is a slight delay before second engages common as well? Again, the rest of the transmission is tight. I wouldn't even bother to ask if I wasn't a little concerned.
If these are common issues then fine, I won't be concerned at all. Never had this happen before especially with a new bike. No transmission noise while in gear and no clutch noise while engaged as well. Thanks.

 

[warp9.9]

the rattle can be the clutch lifter piece as it has free play with the mating piece. You should check the free play at the cable while the engine is not running.



the right amount of free play is important or you will damage the lifter shaft. No free play is like a dead mans clutch. It can lead to spinning and burning the fibers and steels.

 

[Hooter]

I've got the freeplay where it belongs and thanks for the diagram, I've saved it. When I picked the bike up from first service I noticed immediately the mech had it tight, none at all. Why I have no idea? I readjusted it so there was freeplay. Don't know what the guy was thinking? I usually use a nickle to do that. So there is some noise......The clutch works fine just some unusual noise. Maybe its just me?!

The second gear thing is a concern because when engaging late it seems to shock the entire drive train. As I said in my initial post, the rest of the gears have no delay they engage like they should. Guess its time to go to the dealer and find out what they think. But I'm fairly certain I will get the "thats normal" explanation. I'm headed for Sturgis and I don't need to be a roadside attraction!

 

[warp9.9]

Now I am just going to thro this out there for thoughts and other comments. The update in the engine had to do with second gear cluster mainly and the output drive. The old gear cluster had 6 drive dogs on it verses the new style which has three drive dogs on her. There was a lot more slop noted in second gear when you rock the bike back and fourth. I believe this is due to the change in amount of drive dogs and therefore back lash between the dogs increased. You could be feeling this when shifting into second and no other gear as they have not been changed.

Do you hear it when you pull the clutch in and completely shift (letting it roll aways before letting the clutch out?)

As for why the Tech that set the bike up did not have the clutch set right well its down to the ability of the Tech. I always check new bikes on the floor and have noticed at some dealers there is not free play and at some there is. I also noticed if at the dealers that have free play set right all their bikes are right and at the ones that do not have it set right most are wrong. If they have one right I figure it was a off day.
The more free play the more you will hear the lifter piece rattle especially when in neutral at idle and you leaning down there. When riding other noises cover this sound. Also the more the free play the less clearance between fiber and steels resulting in drag on the drive line, and harder shifting (the less clearance also changes the amount of oil introduced to the clutcxh fibers adding heat and thermal expantion into the equation.)
Not enough free play can at extremes somtime stop full gripping pressure of the clutch allowing the fibers to slip whether you notice it or not. When fibers wera freeplay gets less as the pressure plate is moving towards the clutch basket.
Hope this does not confuse you or anyone. I am not a Tech just putting out things I have noticed with mine over the 56,000 miles of thrashing I have done to her.

 

[xhdskip]

All of them, both mine anyway,
shift into first like an old harley
CLUNK.
Sounds like you're use to something a little smoother.
It ain't smooth like a nice subtle yamahonda,
it's a torque monster and a little rough around the edges.
I'd ride it and not worry about it.

 

[Hooter]

No confusion at all and thanks. I have no "clunk" going into first from neutral but only some of the time. To answer your question about pulling in the clutch, yes, the noise is much less. While moving in 5th if I just pull the clutch lever in there seems to be less noise and a touch less vibration in the floor boards. I'm a good wrench, but I haven't messed with this yet. I wanted some advise from you guys about a possible issue or if it was just me. The "drive dog" explanation is fully understood as well.

The shift from gear to gear is positive and sounds like my Harley used to, (clunk) seems to be fine. The only real concern was the second gear thing and the clutch noise. If this is out of adjustment on the clutch housing I will ck that today after I get home. (Maybe this was a Friday bike?) Guess I should have done that before asking all the questions. Thanks you all for the input. New bike and brand to me makes me a little apprehensive.

 

[warp9.9]

I believe the rattling is the parts I am talking about.
fit together and acuate the clutch (release it)
Lifter piece


Lifter shaft (good one on the bottom in the picture)


The fit together like below. which is where the rattle comes from I believe





there has been two different diameters on the lifter piece I am assuming the larger one is the newer style. Either way it is What I order for mine. Oh and when I say two lifter piece designs I am referring to 2006 and up. the change happend during the 05 year so 04 and some 05 rockets have a different lifter piece and pressure plate.

in the clutch housing




Check to see if you have alignment marks on both pieces and see if they are in line or close to.


Below will give you an idea of how the clutch is pulled by the lifter piece outword to release grip on the fibers and steels.

(I changed the picture to one with the OEM pressureplate)
Note it has a billet clutch basket non standard but one strong mofo

Hope this helps some

 

[Hooter]

Thank you so much, this makes it perfectly clear. Gonna head to the garage and make sure things are where they belong. Very helpful stuff! Wouldn't expect any different from this forum. You went the extra mile! Thanks again.