Friction Zone Grind (1st gear only)

[jonegar]

I have a 1996 VT1100C with about 16K miles. I have had the bike about 5 weeks and after doing a search for my question, had to start a new thread. I'm experiencing a slight "grab" or light grind in the friction zone taking off from a stop in first gear. It only occurs in first. I can prevent it by really feathering the clutch out and gently taking off with higher rpm's. Anyone experience this before? The bike is currently at a dealer for puking out final drive fluid (found some threads on that after the fact), and I mentioned the grab to them but I likely won't hear anything till Wednesday.

[AirportFF]

From the grinding sound, I would guess it may be a broken clutch spring. Not a 100% positive, but that's something I would look into.

[jonegar]

Thanks for the reply. One more bit of info; It's more of a feel than a sound...

Don't know if that makes a diff. but I'll check in with shop on Tuesday.

[AirportFF]

I'm still leaning towards either a broken spring or the springs are weak. Also what type of oil is in it and when was the last time it was changed?

[jonegar]

Right after I bought the bike I took it in (Honda of Tulsa) and had the 16k mile service done. Supposedly changed all fluids. Not sure what they put in.

[AirportFF]

I'm wondering if maybe it had synthetic oil in it and they put regular oil in it at the change. I know in a car you can go from reg oil to synth, but you can't switch back without it being flushed first.


But aside from that I'm thinking a mechanical issue rather than a fluid problem. Keep us posted on what they find if you're gonna have them look into it.

[AirportFF]

BTW I have family in Tulsa, Bartlesville and Dewey. Love the country out there.

[RustyJake]

Right after I bought the bike I took it in (Honda of Tulsa) and had the 16k mile service done. Supposedly changed all fluids. Not sure what they put in.
Did the problem or issue exist before this service? Did it happen right after, or did it start happening a ways after the service?
Just trying to see if it was related to the service in any way.

BTW, make sure that the oil is filled to the correct level. I never trust them to do things correctly. I always double check it.

[pegscraper]

Try doing a smokey burnout til the rear tire pops and see if that helps...:stoned:

Pegs

[jonegar]

Thanks for the tip Pegscraper....(have some idea how you came by that name) I can honestly say the "shudder", which I feel is a most accurate term, became most noticable after the service. Going to synthetic oil was recommended by a couple of folks at hondashadow.net. The shop called today and said they find no irregularities and the final drive was overfull. So, 34 bucks later... (not sure how often that happens, $34 at a dealership... I feel blessed today) But I'm picking it up tomorrow and see how it rides. I will probably go ahead and switch to synthetic oil.

Question: Is the engine and the transmission lubed by the same oil? And, were is the best place to buy the synthetic oil and a filter?

[RustyJake]

I use synthetic, mobil 1 red cap. They stopped making it, but it's still out if you can find it. Amsoil is good, very expensive though as is most synthetic oils. Most of your motorcycle brands have a synthetic oil. They are expensive, but worth the extra money/ I think theres a couple of threads over at hondashadow about different synthetic oils, pros and cons. Keep away from any oil that has the words 'energy conserving' on it.
Oils in our motors lubricate the clutch assembly and anything with enough moly in it will effect how your clutch operates (cause slipping).
Filters, I just get the honda filter.

[pegscraper]

Thanks for the tip Pegscraper....(have some idea how you came by that name) I can honestly say the "shudder", which I feel is a most accurate term, became most noticable after the service. Going to synthetic oil was recommended by a couple of folks at hondashadow.net. The shop called today and said they find no irregularities and the final drive was overfull. So, 34 bucks later... (not sure how often that happens, $34 at a dealership... I feel blessed today) But I'm picking it up tomorrow and see how it rides. I will probably go ahead and switch to synthetic oil.

Question: Is the engine and the transmission lubed by the same oil? And, were is the best place to buy the synthetic oil and a filter?

Hey! No problem! Any time I can help. My clutch is starting to do that too. I kinda abuse my bike maybe a little bit so I expect some trouble. I have some new heavy duty clutch spings to put in and I figured I would take a look at the clutch plates while it is apart. Also going to switch to synthetic oil at that time.
Glad to hear that you didn't get taken to the cleaners at the stealers. I always worry when it goes in if I can afford to get it out of there.
Too bad they didn't just put in the synthetic oil when they checked the clutch since you lose some of the oil when you take the cover off (if they really did check it out).
Good luck with your problem. I'll let you know if it took care of mine when I do the springs and oil.

Pegs

[jonegar]

Thanks to all who replied... Picked up yesterday and all is well. Service tech says all is well. Final drive was a tad overfull and the "shudder" in first is normal. (Salesman said it was partly due to it being a 4-speed/gear ratio, 5-speed did not do it) He also recommended going to a 20w50 oil at the next oil change. (would help deaden it some) Again, thanks to all. There is probably a change to synthetic oil in my future but for now, it's time to go ride! Thanks again!

[AirportFF]

Glad to hear it. Now go enjoy it:happy:

[TinyUFB]

... There is probably a change to synthetic oil in my future but for now, it's time to go ride! Thanks again!


FYI Honda also sells their own brand of Synthetic Oil. Priced higher than Mobil's

Tiny

[Mr.Sinister]

Pegs " My clutch is starting to do that too. I kinda abuse my bike maybe a little bit so I expect some trouble. " Is that because you let Tiny ride Bitch ? :happy:

[pegscraper]

Pegs " My clutch is starting to do that too. I kinda abuse my bike maybe a little bit so I expect some trouble. " Is that because you let Tiny ride Bitch ? :happy:

Trust me on this one, Sin. We both wont fit on it!:smartass: LMFAO! Unless I'm sitting on the speedo.

Pegs

[pegscraper]

It would be funny to see Tiny with his feet up on those passenger pegs tho.


Pegs