transmission clunk!

dan twomey · June 09, 2006, 05:21:54 PM

Help! I have a 96 Magna with about 22,000 miles on it. Lately, in the past few weeks I have developed a nasty, "clunk" in what feels like the transmission when the bike is under load. Lately I have also noticed that the clunk can be heard, but not so much felt with the clutch pulled in and the bike coasting. Throwout bearing? I am at a loss, and not looking forward to paying a mechanic to tear apart a transmission.

Thanks,

Dan Twomey
1996 Magna VF750C
Mount Vernon, WA

Greg Cothern · June 09, 2006, 06:58:10 PM

Dan can you provide a little more information? Like what oil is being used, is the clunk more from 1st to 2nd gear shift or the others. Is it when going up or down through the gears?

roboto65 · June 09, 2006, 08:41:47 PM

You might also check your chain for a stuck link or two mine went this last trip and sure can feel it and hear it around that area

Curtis_Valk · June 09, 2006, 08:53:41 PM

I was thinking chain too, Alan. I've never heard of any tranny problems, especially at only 22k miles.

Curtis

roboto65 · June 09, 2006, 08:55:59 PM

Yeah my thoughts two but then again there are lemons hehehehehehe
but then again it is a Honda NAHHHHHHHHHHH

Greg Cothern · June 09, 2006, 10:56:41 PM

I am thinking he is experiencing the clunk from 1st to 2nd gear usually magnafied by non Motorcycle specific oil. Just a guess though.

MagnaMan · June 09, 2006, 11:05:31 PM

Greg, that's the first thing I thought of too. But the remark about it knocking while the clutch was pulled in made me hold off on saying that.

dan twomey · June 10, 2006, 12:54:15 AM

Good suggestions guys Thanks, I will check the chain. The clunk very well could be the chain. I am feeling it in every gear (it is not a shifting clunk that is so prevelent with the 1st to 2nd shift in the 3rd gen. magnas), but mostly when I am up going up a hill, or am riding 2 up.

As for oil, I use a fully synthetic Mobil 1 motorcycle oil, at about $9.00 a quart, with a Bosch oil filter, so I sure hope thats not the problem. The bike is very well cared for, but if I had to guess, I would say the chain is most likely the original.

dan twomey · June 10, 2006, 12:56:52 AM

On the topic of chains, any suggestions on a good one/price?

roboto65 · June 10, 2006, 07:20:37 AM

Well I am probably going to go with an EK chain with sunstar sprockets I think they are the only ones that make a 38 tooth rear and the chain well it is an X ring and is very strong and light weight just looked like the best all around but hey thats just a preference....

As far as yours yeahif that is the original then at 22000 I would say yes it is time. Mine did the same thing during Mootmag underload mostly lugging along or climbing hills it would make a clunk which I had already figured out was the chain but sure knew it was there and worried about it the whole time sure don't want your chain flying off at the wrong time!!!!!!! And it was all my fault not adjusting the chain right.. And to think I knew better and got in a rush....

Greg Cothern · June 10, 2006, 09:23:02 AM

Dan thanks for the additional information, I agree that it is the chain. Go with an X ring chain as suggested, they cost a bit more but are well worth it.

dan twomey · June 10, 2006, 11:40:48 AM

Where is a good place to buy one of these chains?

MagnaMan · June 10, 2006, 11:48:08 AM

Quote from: dan twomeyWhere is a good place to buy one of these chains?

Funny you should ask... Devin has been recently researching this as well. This thread should help:
http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=618

roboto65 · June 10, 2006, 12:00:15 PM

Well I would say check with Dave dodge first then maybe Dennis Kirk they have a good selection of chains from all the makers and sprockets which I would replace with the chain weather they look good or not..

MagnaMan · June 10, 2006, 01:02:51 PM

I knew Dave sold sprockets, but I didn't know he sold chains. I would check with him as well. If you search long enough on the Internet you'll find cheaper prices than Dave, but he freely gives out great technical advice.

He has helped me on 3 issues and I've only bought a $40 jet/shim kit from him. That's why I intend to buy all my braided stainless lines, and now chains and sprockets from him.