Bad clunck when putting into 1st gear : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Shonz14nw · 11-10-2008, 03:22 AM

Hi, I have a 93 FXDWG. I have adjusted the clutch etc but still Im getting a cluncking noise as I put her into first gear. I have noticed when the bike is warmed up every now and then she will go into gear no problem as long as it is done slowly. But more times than not it makes that noise. Was wondering if there is a chance the plates are sticking? There is no noise what so ever or problems going into other gears only first. Any and all advise is really appreciated. Also the over flow is leaking petrol even though the tap is off. Not sure what to do there.

jmpancoast1 · 11-10-2008, 05:41 AM

When you say you adjusted teh clutch, did you do it at the cable or in the primary?

If you did it in the primary, is there a chance you have recently had your primary fluid changed and there is too much fluid? This could cause the plates not to fully release leading to what you describe.

nvsteve · 11-10-2008, 07:40 AM

Primary chain should be adjusted as well.

hotshotfxdl · 11-10-2008, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvsteve

Primary chain should be adjusted as well.

Thats where I would be looking. While your in there change the oil too

Shonz14nw · 11-10-2008, 01:12 PM

actually both. Had to change the fluid as well. Will give that a go and see what happens. Any ideas on the overflow. Cheers

fatboym · 11-10-2008, 08:34 PM

2007 FLSTF
I have seen a thread similar to this with different answers.
My fatboy does this at when I shift into 1st at the begining of the ride. but then no more. I heard this is common with Harley's, along with the loud & hard shift through out the rest of the gears?

Fourcats · 11-10-2008, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shonz14nw

Hi, I have a 93 FXDWG. I have adjusted the clutch etc but still Im getting a cluncking noise as I put her into first gear. I have noticed when the bike is warmed up every now and then she will go into gear no problem as long as it is done slowly. But more times than not it makes that noise. Was wondering if there is a chance the plates are sticking? There is no noise what so ever or problems going into other gears only first. Any and all advise is really appreciated. Also the over flow is leaking petrol even though the tap is off. Not sure what to do there.

Avoid the situations that cause it to clunk..."Don't Do That!" The plates will have some drag, so minimize the effect by shifting to first before you stop; and selecting first gear {clutch pulled} before starting the engine.
Lube the clutch cable and try changing the fluid out with ATF Dextron III, there was a thread on it just recently.

With the leaky carb, try turning the gas off before you stop, plan ahead. Also with the tap, off run the engine till it quits, then turn on the tap and start the engine. This should flush out the needle valve, stopping the leak. Repeat a couple of times as needed.

KBFXDLI · 11-12-2008, 10:43 AM

The hard clunk when the bike is cold is many times due to cold oil clutch drag. The clutch plates stick together because the oil is cold and more viscous. One remedy is to allow the bike to warm up more and work the clutch lever a few times before that first shift.
Another is to use a thinner oil like an atf in your primary that will cause less drag than a 50w HD formula+.

I had the same issue and found redline MTL works nicely as it is a GL4 synthetic 70w80 gear oil with no moly and has a cold pour point equal to a 5w30 motor oil. Automotive ATF was too thin and caused a lot of chain noise which drove me crazy. Another oil that works well in the primary is Mobil1Vtwin 10w40. I have since found that a 50-50 mix of redline MTL and MT90 is perfect for my primary as it is about a 40w and reduces clutch drag while dampening primary chain noise. Gives real good clutch feel and quiets the chain.

If you experiment a bit with 10w40 oils you will probably find some level of improvement you are satisfied with. Some guys just use automotive 10w40 with no issues.

splatter · 11-13-2008, 09:07 PM

Are you trying to say there are Harleys that DON'T klunk? I don't believe it.

Coolmaker · 11-13-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by splatter

Are you trying to say there are Harleys that DON'T klunk? I don't believe it.

My Baker DD6 does not "Clunk".

JimmyAcorn · 11-17-2008, 03:36 PM

I'd say it is the clutch throw out bearing.

steveusmc · 11-17-2008, 09:08 PM

My 1995 Wideglide "clunks" to some degree or another almost every time I put it in 1st gear. Many oil changes later...and no hint of problems on magnetic plugs (tranny and primary) I keep my clutch adjustment at an optimum. The bike shifts perfectly and all else is without a problem. If you have checked all "possible" problems and found nothing wrong...then live with the Harley Clunk...maybe the EVOs have a little more than the TC and later.

Shonz14nw · 12-01-2008, 10:27 PM

Well after trying everything possible she is still doing it. I took her for a ride the other day and had to laugh as a brand spanking new one pulled up beside me and sure enough CLUNK as he put his into gear. The noise is no where as bad and I give her a really good warm up before I ride her. HHHMMMM. didnt sound too good did that.. So thanks to you all and yeap this kiwi girl appreciates everyones advise. Take care and thanks again.

d1hojo · 12-05-2008, 04:56 PM

I just did an oil change and went ahead and changed the primary too. I went with the M1 full syn ATF. I just went around the block and could already tell a difference just finding neutral. Got a toy run tomarrow to see just how much of a difference it will make. I was running trick shift before.