Clunk, clunk!!

[PhilSB]

I've got a clunking/graunching noise coming from what seems to be the front of the drive shaft (I think). It sounds expensive, anyone any ideas? Now I've got to get it to the dealer and they are chocker with work so dog knows when it will get looked at!
Phil

[deilenberger]

Just be a guess - universal joint? You might try pulling the rubber boot back a bit and see if somehow a stone got lodged in the housing..

[celticus]

I had a small rock stuck in my rear tire that "interfaced" with my rear hugger which made a scary noise.

Mark

[vroomr]

Speaking o’ clunk, twice in the last 6 months my R got into a state where 1) pulling fully on the clutch resulted in a loud rapping sound, like knocking on wood, and 2) when I shifted I heard a clank, as if the transmission fell apart. The clutch sound only happened with the engine running, and the two symptoms came and went together. One occurrence was maybe twenty minutes long, the later one lasted less than five minutes. What might this be? Why am I being vexed?

[PhilSB]

I spoke to the mechanic (or is it technician these days?) on the phone and he couldn't hear the noise or find anything wrong
He said that with the bike on the centre stand there is a clunking noise because the drive shaft is not working in its correct alignment.
So what was causing the noise first time I don't know, perhaps a stone lodged somewhere. I'll collect the bike Saturday and hope for the best. I was afeared that it was going to be an expensive problem. Fear the worst and then you'll not be disappointed. Good news- it hasn't cost me yet/ Bad news - it's not been sorted! I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Phil

[ithis]

Hi Phil - thanks for notifying me of this site - it's very useful.

Sorry to hear you've had problems and the subsequent, non resolution. Fingers crossed for you my friend.

[deilenberger]

Phil,

Just some clarification. Is this clunking being heard with the bike running on the centerstand and in gear?

Try gently depressing the rear brake pedal.

If it goes away - it's entirely normal. It's just the driveline lash (which can be 1-3" on a boxer/hexhead) being taken up, accelerating a bit, then taken up again.

It can be ignored - it's the nature of the beast and they all do it to some extent when there is no load on the driveline.

[PhilSB]

I got the bike back Saturday and they couldn't find any problem. They said the clunking running in gear on the stand is normal, it's particularly noticeable on the GS with the longer suspension travel.
I've done 350 miles and all seems well. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Thanks for the ideas.
Phil