Chirping Clutch

[SIR REAL ED]

is it normal for a Moto Guzzi clutch to chirp ever so slightly when coasting the last few yards to a stop with the bike in first gear and the clutch lever pulled in?  I know dry clutches are noisier than wet clutches.

Other than this minor noise, the clutch seems to work perfectly and shifts much better than I expected.

thanks.

[Bill Owens]

Ed,

How about when you are sitting still, and pulling clutch lever in. I'm wondering about throw  out bearing.

[SIR REAL ED]

Ed,

How about when you are sitting still, and pulling clutch lever in. I'm wondering about  out bearing.

Then there is just a very faint change in noise level.  If you weren't listening for it, you would never hear it.

[egschade]

I'd check your cable adjustment carefully just to make sure. If the noise persists then it could be the throw out bearing getting a little dry.

You can try using compressed air to blow out the dust from the housing to see if that works (wear a mask). Have read that others have given their clutches a bath but I have no experience with that.

[SIR REAL ED]

I'd check your cable adjustment carefully just to make sure. If the noise persists then it could be the throw out bearing getting a little dry.

You can try using compressed air to blow out the dust from the housing to see if that works (wear a mask). Have read that others have given their clutches a bath but I have no experience with that.

That makes sense, especially in light of the fact that the bike only has 4300 miles on it.  I've adjusted the clutch as per WG guidelines, and it seems to function perfectly. 

The noise is not concerning at all, just noticeable.  Since this is the first bike I have owned with a dry clutch, so I thought I would ask the more experienced owners.

Maybe I need to put the front wheel up against a concrete wall and do a couple burnouts?   

[malik]

A change in noise when the clutch lever is pulled at idle is normal.

Can't say I've ever noticed any "chirping" under your conditions, but I've always had problems identifying where the odd noises actually come from. Usually it turns out to be somewhere else. Are you sure it's the clutch? I've had engine rattles that ended up being a loose headlight or an exhaust inner sleeve breaking its spot weld, or a loose horn or mudguard. Strange noises when slowing down ended up being a collapsing wheel bearing, or loose caliper bolts, or loose rotor bolts. A common rattle comes from exhaust clamps being forgotten. Scraping noises sometimes come from completely worn brake pads (getting money's worth, to excess). A clunking from the headstock is more easily identified. A loose or broken rear rack sometime makes odd noises too. And check the exhaust nuts are tight, too. Check that the outer body behind the clutch pushrod (at the back of the gearbox cover, under the clutch lever arm adjuster) is about flush with the cover - if recessed inwards, could be a collapsed thrust bearing - it's a bit of a bear to get your eye in there to get a look-see.

As you can see, when I get a strange new noise, I first check what I think is obvious, then go over everything that should be tight. Even then, I still miss things.

Good luck. The chances are, it ain't broke.

[oldbike54]

 Does it sound like a Robin or a Nightingale ?

 Sorry , couldn't help it . Good advice so far .

 Dusty

[SIR REAL ED]

A change in noise when the clutch lever is pulled at idle is normal.

Can't say I've ever noticed any "chirping" under your conditions, but I've always had problems identifying where the odd noises actually come from. Usually it turns out to be somewhere else. Are you sure it's the clutch? I've had engine rattles that ended up being a loose headlight or an exhaust inner sleeve breaking its spot weld, or a loose horn or mudguard. Strange noises when slowing down ended up being a collapsing wheel bearing, or loose caliper bolts, or loose rotor bolts. A common rattle comes from exhaust clamps being forgotten. Scraping noises sometimes come from completely worn brake pads (getting money's worth, to excess). A clunking from the headstock is more easily identified. A loose or broken rear rack sometime makes odd noises too. And check the exhaust nuts are tight, too. Check that the outer body behind the clutch pushrod (at the back of the gearbox cover, under the clutch lever arm adjuster) is about flush with the cover - if recessed inwards, could be a collapsed thrust bearing - it's a bit of a bear to get your eye in there to get a look-see.

As you can see, when I get a strange new noise, I first check what I think is obvious, then go over everything that should be tight. Even then, I still miss things.

Good luck. The chances are, it ain't broke.

Good points.  I'm just assuming it's the clutch at this point.  Could actually be speed related (under 10 mph).  I really don't think anything is wrong.  Just trying to learn something at the feet of the masters.

[SIR REAL ED]

Does it sound like a Robin or a Nightingale ?

 Sorry , couldn't help it . Good advice so far .

 Dusty

Actually, more like a chipmunk.  Maybe I ran one over and he's stuck under the seat somewhere.

[slowmover]

Mine does it too - 2013 V7 Stone

[oldbike54]

Actually, more like a chipmunk.  Maybe I ran one over and he's stuck under the seat somewhere.

 You go first . No, you go first , I insist .

 Indubitably 

 Dusty

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'm just saying.. but.. I chased a weird noise/vibration on a Strada for weeks. Tore it down twice. Balanced the rotating assembly. Eventually found it was a twanged crash bar acting like a tuning fork.   

[slowmover]

Only when the clutch is pulled in. You can make it stop and start as the lever is manipulated.

[bodine99]

Actually, more like a chipmunk.  Maybe I ran one over and he's stuck under the seat somewhere.

It's a Marchant thing!! Big long screw driver start listening around the clutch/bell housing with the clutch disengaged

[wirespokes]

I've chased rattles also. Most notable was one that kept me going for months. I thought something was vibrating under the tank and moved things around, found numerous little things to correct, and some not so little. Ran better and better, but still the rattle decelerating around 3K RPM. Finally discovered it was a rod knock on the left side. Could have been caused by the silicone goobers found earlier. Who knows - but it's quiet now.

The 87LM has a squeak in the clutch cable when the lever is about 2/3rds the way pulled. Removed the clutch arm, cleaned and lubed so I know for a fact it's the cable. Tried lubing the cable with no success. Now the 84 is doing the same thing. Are they ganging up on me? Do they get together in the middle of the night and figure out ways to get my attention? The squeak/chirp is in the cable near the front of the transmission.

[malik]

Only when the clutch is pulled in. You can make it stop and start as the lever is manipulated.

When the lever is pulled in, you'll notice that it's not only the inner that moves, but the outer also does a little. Check the routing of the cable, move the 2 rubber blocks (they slide) so that they DO keep the cable from going between the fins. Some models have a hook up high for looping the cable over, if you have one of those, you could use that to keep the cable more in the centre of the V, or if too high, use a cable tie. Check the outer for abrasion wear, if there's wear through the outer plastic to the metal, replace the cable. (When I replace the cable, after releasing the bottom from the operating arm, I tie a cord or ribbon to that end & gently ease it through, then use that as a guide for the new one). With the cable out, it's easier to check for free movement of the inner & for any broken strands. A bit of lube on the nipples & the end collars of the cable outer before replacing might help.

I've had the cotter pin holding the lever arm to the gearbox cover seize. The only movement it had was the few degrees that end of the arm was accustomed to move, the rest was seized solidly. It was a real job to get out, even with the gearbox on the bench. Check to see if that is still free - pull the split pin, then the cotter pin, clean & grease, then replace. I know, it's awkward to get in there with the wheel & swingarm still in place. It's a good idea to degrease down there first before inspecting. And easier then to check the position of the outer body of the pushrod mechanism - should be more or less flush with the gearbox cover.

It a bit of work for a minor concern, but now when riding is limited so much, is a good time to attend to this sort of thing. I usually keep a spare clutch cable on hand, and that practice has come in handy on a few occasions. When it goes, there's often no warning.

[Bulldog9]

There was some talk recently (and a while back) that 5 speeds on the V7, if the trans oil is low, the input bearing can make noise. Not sure if this applies to the 750 Brevas.  The 6 speeds have a pump so not as much of an issue.

[malik]

The 5 Speed V7's, the 750 Breva's & the Nevada's (the later ones, at least) appear to be the same animal. My V7C has made no complaints about the Breva gearbox currently attached.

[SIR REAL ED]

Excellent opinions Goosers!  You given me enough information to adjust a few things and see if it changes from Chipmunk to Bluejay or Robin which will tell me I have isolated the cause.

I don't think anything is wrong, just noticeable.

I do remember now splitting a 4" long piece of fuel line and putting it over the clutch cable to keep it from sliding into the cylinder fins.  That may be the source.

[chuck peterson]

Nevada right?

On my 07, they used two thin metal plates to hold the horns on.

Over and over I'd hear a awful noise when slowing/stopping..occasionally

One of those plates had broken, setting up a screech

It confounded a lot of people, dealer included..it reinforces sitting in the driveway and touching tightening every nut and bolt you can get too

[SIR REAL ED]

Nevada right?

On my 07, they used two thin metal plates to hold the horns on.

Over and over I'd hear a awful noise when slowing/stopping..occasionally

One of those plates had broken, setting up a screech

It confounded a lot of people, dealer included..it reinforces sitting in the driveway and touching tightening every nut and bolt you can get too

Nevada, yes.

I will have to check that.  Now that you mention it, I recall seeing a piece of sheet metal bolt on the bike (I think to one of the horn mounts), that appeared to have no purpose.  So I took it off.

Maybe that was a special part designed to vibrate at a frequency that would cancel out the chirp?

Maybe it is not a chirp, maybe it's a quiet Italian voice (contradiction in terms) reminding me to put my feet down as I come to a stop?  High end option probably not available on the big blocks!