Problem with clutch?

Hey all, i think i may have a problem with my clutch or something related to it. Recently whilst shifting down from lets say 4th to 3rd when i release the clutch out with no power on i get this tapping/knocking feeling coming from my clutch lever and gear selector. Its never done this before and seems to be getting worse. The bike is a k5 with about 11400 miles on the clocks Their is also a alight noise coming from the front of the engine, hard to describe but its not so much a knocking knocking noise but that noise has been their since iv owned the bike at 8500 miles. My dad said it may a worn drive gear or something?

I really have no idea so hoping some one might be able to help me out

Thanks phil

Ok, lets start with some basics hows the oil level of the bike, and when was the oil last changed? If the oil hasnt been changed in the last 4000 miles, that, along with a new filter. If the oil has been changed more recently and it needs topping up...do that. Oil life and oil level can have an effect on clutch performance.

When was the last time you adjusted the clutch properly? To do this, you need to adjust the worm drive. Down on the side-stand side of the bike, there is a cover covering the front sprocket, get this off (3 x 8mm bolts). YOu'll see the front sprocket, and a mechanism that operates when you pull in the clutch lever (pull the clutch, see how it works). This is the worm drive bit. Slacken off the cable at both ends. Now, get a ring spanner and a flat head screw driver, and whilst holding the screw bit with the screw driver, release the nut on the outside of it. Gently, with the screw driver, screw in the worm drive until it juuuuusssst touches, then back off about 1/8th to 1/4th of a turn. Holding it in place with the screw driver, do the nut up with the spanner. Re-adjust your cable at both ends of the cable until you have a desired amount of free play at the clutch, and check it dosnt go too tight with the steering at lock to lock.

Hows the condition of your chain? If its dry and dirty, first clean it with parraffin (get soem from B&Q). Then apply some good chain lubricant (castrol do a great one). Is the chain tension correct? Spin the rear wheel and check for tight-spots; adjust the slack of the chain at the tightest spot. the chain adjustment should be done on the sidestand

Try these things first

As for the noises, that could be oil-related, or it could be one of the many wonderful noises that SV's just make. I know my SV makes this fast fast ticky noise at around 4500-5000 rpm. Its a product of resonances, and is nothing to do with the cam-chain or anything, tis just one of those noises

Strange you mention the fast ticky noise.....my SV has started making that kinda noise from the front somewhere. ( i say started, its either started or i have just started noticing it )

Originally Posted by metalhead19

Strange you mention the fast ticky noise.....my SV has started making that kinda noise from the front somewhere. ( i say started, its either started or i have just started noticing it )

from tickover through the revs, or just at a particular range in the revs?

Check the chain condition, oil level (change oil if its near the service interval) and wear ear plugs



but if its a serious ticking, persistant from tickover and getting louder/faster through the revs...please don't use your bike, the valve train might be about to have a big one