Turn signals and Trans clunk

[Bernard Vinet]

May not be true of others, but discovered yesterday on a long ride that the loud clunk goes away after the bike is warmed up......takes maybe 30 miles but after that my bike was as smooth up and down through the gears as my Harley Ultra. And.....this sucker zips up to 120 mph in no time.....that's where I start to wimp out and slow down......but the Rocket was still ready for more.

Maybe your bike would like a different make of oil. Mine seems to be better with Amsoil 15/50.

 

[mully95]

Maybe your bike would like a different make of oil. Mine seems to be better with Amsoil 15/50.

Yep.... my bike likes Mobil 1 over Castrol.

With the clutch free play set dead on and using Mobil 1 the only clunk I get is coming out of neutral and going into first. I can avoid this altogether by coming out of neutral and going into second. The engine makes enough torque that starting off in second doesn't hurt anything.

I've noticed that if the clutch free play isn't set correctly clunky shifts will occur.

Here's the service manual ... it's your friend.

http://www.piano-person.com/r3docs/Service_Manual_R3S_C_T.pdf

 

[Starmanut]

Yep.... my bike likes Mobil 1 over Castrol.

With the clutch free play set dead on and using Mobil 1 the only clunk I get is coming out of neutral and going into first. I can avoid this altogether by coming out of neutral and going into second. The engine makes enough torque that starting off in second doesn't hurt anything.

I've noticed that if the clutch free play isn't set correctly clunky shifts will occur.

Here's the service manual ... it's your friend.

http://www.piano-person.com/r3docs/Service_Manual_R3S_C_T.pdf

+1 on the Mobil


My shifting seemed a bit better when I installed a longer cable, probably got the free play a bit closer. Still a clunk , but softer. I think I'll tighten it up a bit, then.
Great Link! I paid $20 for a similar manual!

 

[sonny]

I run the same

 

[geno]

Hey,

Liking my new for me '06 Classic Rocket III, approaching 24,000 miles, but need some feedback on transmission clunking and turn signal frustration. I thought my '09 Harley Ultra was clunky when shifting gears but it is quiet as a mouse compared to my Rocket. It is not always a loud stiff feeling clunk but it is most of the time. Other than first gear clunk my Harley just snicks into to gear with no fuss or muss. The Rocket seems to have a pronounced clunk when shifting up or down. Does this sound like the norm? It shifts with no problem but seems significantly louder than what I am accustomed to.

Turn signals work fine but I am struggling to remember to push the little button to turn them off after a turn. I hope in time this will become second nature but so far it is very annoying to ride several blocks and/or miles and then notice the blinking light for the turn signals. Is there an automatic turn signal off gizmo available like I am accustomed to on my Harley?

Thanks.

VR

I have the signal minder by (kissin) you can purchase one from New Bonneville.com or eBay it has several options including signal running lights and hazards also parade flash mode; you can also set the blinkers time for 10,20 or 30 second flash and will go off automatically; Check it out I believe you will like it for about $100.00 . "Be Safe!

 

[Bob R]

Yep.... my bike likes Mobil 1 over Castrol.

With the clutch free play set dead on <snip> I've noticed that if the clutch free play isn't set correctly clunky shifts will occur.

Here's the service manual ... it's your friend.

http://www.piano-person.com/r3docs/Service_Manual_R3S_C_T.pdf

The 2-3mm free play is very important, and also very hard to eyeball. Luckily I have a micrometer for other uses and can adjust my freeplay properly. If you eyeball it I would bet you have too much free play and that will cause clunking and if out too far difficulty finding neutral. Do your self a favor and actually measure the free play.

bob

 

[Starmanut]

The 2-3mm free play is very important, and also very hard to eyeball. Luckily I have a micrometer for other uses and can adjust my freeplay properly. If you eyeball it I would bet you have too much free play and that will cause clunking and if out too far difficulty finding neutral. Do your self a favor and actually measure the free play.

bob

Question: Would I measure with the front wheel centered/straight? I notice the play varies a tiny bit when moving the handlebars from right to left.
That's what I did, but eyeballed it. I'll measure for sure, now. Thanks!

 

[Bob R]

Question: Would I measure with the front wheel centered/straight? I notice the play varies a tiny bit when moving the handlebars from right to left.
That's what I did, but eyeballed it. I'll measure for sure, now. Thanks!

Yes, do it with the front wheel centered. It doesn't say so in the manual but that is what I would (and do) do.

bob