Unusual sound 1999 Bassa with audio- advice please!

[toukow]

I was hoping you guys could give me some advice. First, I am having a heck of a time getting the .MOV video to load to Photobucket, so I changed course and used Youtube for the first time. Then finally Photobucket showed the uploaded video and a link from there is included as well.
 
 I have not ridden this bike much (has 16K miles), and it has always started without issue or unusual sounds. I started it yesterday and heard the noise which starts at 12 seconds into the video. It sounds like a loud repetitive 'clack' sound. It stopped after 30 seconds or so. It sounded like it was coming from the transmission area, not the engine. 

I am not positive on this, but it appears to only happen when cold. When I started it after a 30-minute ride I heard nothing unusual, and no noise while underway.

Is there a throw-out bearing failing or clutch issue? Could the starter gear be failing to retract completely?  Your comments appreciated. Thanks, Toukow

http://vid1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/toukow/IMG_0158.mp4

https://youtu.be/YeuzdecjiBs

[John A]

Does the sound change when you pull the clutch lever? If so its the floater in the clutch and complety normal

[fotoguzzi]

odd click sound. sort of random sequence not what I expected to hear as a clutch sound which would be rhythmic .. maybe get a stethoscope.

[chuck peterson]

With your motor off, turn the rear wheel slowly, while feeling for resistance...might be a ujoint in its early stages of destruction

I keep buying used bikes that have sat for....a decade sometimes...and the ujoint area can collect moisture in the rubber sleeve area from heating and cooling over the seasons...rust pits form, then suddenly it's put back into action, and the joint fails from the thorough scrubbing in a rust bath...ymmv, but it's my best guess

[oldbike54]

 Uh Chuck , the U joint isn' t turning 

 Dusty

[RinkRat II]

 Have you listened to this sound from the other side of the bike too?? Confirm or deny your starter theory with a stethoscope or long screwdriver at the starter attachment point on the bellhousing.


   Paul B

[bikeridertim]

Hi All, Might sound funny, but It sounds to me like the exhaust (or crossover) expanding as it heats up.
My 99 EV with 143000 miles does the same thing
Tim

[LaMojo]

My 98 EV occasionally has clicking sounds like that for years . Mainly after a cold start.  I always assumed it was one of the dogs in the transmission too close to a gear.  Only happens when in neutral and I've never had a problem with the transmission.

[chuck peterson]

Uh Chuck , the U joint isn' t turning 

 Dusty

Well what da  ya want?  im making up answers as fast as I can...why would I let the facts get in the way?

[twhitaker]

Well what da  ya want?  im making up answers as fast as I can...why would I let the facts get in the way?

LOL! Have you thought about running for office?

[Chuck in Indiana]

My advice? Earplugs..

[oldbike54]

Well what da  ya want?  im making up answers as fast as I can...why would I let the facts get in the way?

 

 Yeah , not a precedent we care to establish ...

 Dusty

[LowRyter]

sounded like normal to me.

[toukow]

Thanks guys for the review. I pulled the starter and cleaned and lubed the solenoid plunger just in case. The noise has not returned over the last 4-5 starts, but I'm guessing that is just a coincidence. Will update post if it returns. Thanks again, Toukow

My 98 EV occasionally has clicking sounds like that for years . Mainly after a cold start.  I always assumed it was one of the dogs in the transmission too close to a gear.  Only happens when in neutral and I've never had a problem with the transmission.

I hope this is the exact situation then. The transmission on this bike is extremely smooth with zero clunk going from neutral to first, which was contrary to what I had expected given comments from others (uninformed) on Guzzi's in general.

Hi All, Might sound funny, but It sounds to me like the exhaust (or crossover) expanding as it heats up.
My 99 EV with 143000 miles does the same thing
Tim

Guess it could be this but it happens so quickly after starting that I'd be surprised. Also, it's not the usual exhaust tick with which I'm familiar and I would guess this would occur with every cold start.

Have you listened to this sound from the other side of the bike too?? Confirm or deny your starter theory with a stethoscope or long screwdriver at the starter attachment point on the bellhousing.    Paul B

I do have stethoscope and will do it if it occurs again.

odd click sound. sort of random sequence not what I expected to hear as a clutch sound which would be rhythmic .. maybe get a stethoscope.

Agreed. It's quite random and so far has only lasted about 30 seconds or less.

Does the sound change when you pull the clutch lever? If so its the floater in the clutch and complety normal

I will definitely give this a go if it returns. Thanks!

[screamday]

My 98 EV occasionally has clicking sounds like that for years . Mainly after a cold start.  I always assumed it was one of the dogs in the transmission too close to a gear.  Only happens when in neutral and I've never had a problem with the transmission.

Same here.......just assumed it was the exhaust expanding as it heats up. Mine only does it after it sits overnight. As far as the noise happening right away....I don't think it takes very long for the heat from the motor to start heating up the exhaust. Anyway.....mines been doing it 18 years.

[bad Chad]

Agreed, your over thinking it.  Go with Chuck's suggestion.