Bang! Clunk! etc, etc (gearbox)

[Swim41]

Having problems with the gearbox on my 34'000 mile 600N. I've not ridden it much recently having been using my YBR for most things.

Anyway the gearbox seems to bang and clunk more than it used to. I say 'seems', because being used to the silky change on the YBR box the thunks from the Divvy seem savage brutal.

I have done the following to try and sort it: new sprocket carrier and rear wheel bearings, cleaned and tensioned chain (have tried varying tightnesses, doesn't seem to make much difference). The oil is of good quality (Silkolene Super4) and changed 1800 miles ago. The clutch is adjusted and appears to work correctly (when on stand, rear wheel does not turn with engine running and clutch pulled in).

Worst changes are 1st to 2nd, and especiallty 2nd into 1st although any changes involving gears 1 to 4 can be pretty violent (I actually wince and brace myself when changing between 1st and 2nd). The symptoms are not constant however, sometimes the gears snick in, other times there is a severe bang when engaging I'd estimate this was about 50/50.

Another symptom is when changing down into 2nd or 1st it won't actually make the change immediately, giving a the impression of the gears refusing to engage.

In all doesn't make for an enjoyable ride and I'm thinking of getting rid, which is a shame as these engines do have a reputation for toughness and it's not a bad medium tourer/rally bike. The bike has never been ragged (I have put 23k on it) although must admit I do short shift.

Any suggestions? Is this likely to be terminal?

thanks ;D

Ben

[thehermitage99]

Hi,

I am new here, having had my 600N only for a few weeks, however my bike does exactly the same thing..... I had (perhaps foolishly) assumed that it was simply the way it is supposed to be!

I will be very interested in hearing other comments on this subject.

Bryan

[huggyg71]

Same here, mine does pretty much the same thing. I have changed chain and sprockets etc too just in case but I was told its just my poor technique diversionclub.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=600&action=display&thread=11485

[biblebasher]

so does mine! i just ignore it.

[thehermitage99]

yeah, I think it's just me too.. other than the 'clunk' with 1st and 2nd the gears are generally smooth most days, although sometimes I just can't get the gear changes smooth no matter what I try.

I put that down to me having a bad day and just get on with it and in any case I am not fully used to the bike yet as I have only had it a few weeks.

Always forgetting what gear I am in though.. always doing some great 6th to 6th changes hahaha...

Best to just get on with it and ride I think..

Bryan

[gazbee]

would it be worth taking a look at the clutch plates to see if any are warped or worn out

[juggernaughtjim]

my t reg 600 is doing exactly what is been described here, somethmes i think the box mite fall off, then all of a sudden its great with no prob's, its got 29,000 miles on the clock,do you think i should join RAC recovery just in case, :-)

[amorti]

Could be the famously ill-lubricated clutch release bearing? There's a thread somewhere about it.

Before panicking though, try taking the lever off the footpeg bracket, and cleaning and lubing the mounting point. Remarkable how much crud gets under there, makes a real difference to smoothness of changes.

[Swim41]

Thanks for the suggestions. Had already tried that one Amorti. It was mucky, but things don't seem to have improved.

I think though, that this is a sign to get rid. Coming up to four years of ownership, but I've felt for a while that it is time for a change. Four years is a long time to have a bike. A twin of some type appeals I think, possibly a DL650.