VFR400 gear problem

BadDog · Scooby Slapper Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Karma :

Hi

Got an NC30 recently and I love it, however the gearchanges haven't seemed as direct recently (In fact sometimes I can't change up and have to release the clutch and have another go), and in the last few days the gearbox has developed a slight rattle when I pull away in first.

About a month ago, I adjusted the clutch at the handlebar, but it's run out of travel so my question is:

Should I have a go at adjusting the clutch via the adjusters at the gearbox end (I'm a newbie, but I've got the Haynes manual), or is this nothing to do with the clutch and should I leave it to a professional (It's a mint example and I don't want to ruin it)????

Thanks for any advice.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Chain adjustment.

Check your chain adjustment. If it is too tight or too loose the gear changes will feel poor.

If it is too tight I recommend you loosen it ASAP because you can damage your gearbox output shaft.

It should move about 3- 3.5cm at the loosest point on the lower run of the chain. Also check for tight spots as some areas of the chain can become stiffer than others.

Failing that, have a go at adjusting the clutch again - although bear in mind that if it hasn't got any better from you doing that then you might be adjusting the wrong way, or in need of a new clutch.

(Don't worry, changing the clutch is relatively straightforward with a haynes manual, and new springs and plates should not cost too much.)

HTH Smile

____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

On the NC30 you need to make sure that both halves of the inner basket match up when you put it back in (this makes sense when you do it.)

Make sure that's the case and it's easy.

EuropeanNC30R... · Gay Hairdresser Joined: 20 Jun 2002 Karma :

If it's run out of slack at the lever you'll be needing to adjust it at the gearbox end otherwise the clutch will be starting to slip constantly, which won't do it any good. Adjusting is not hard to do, and you'll know when you've adjusted it right.

BadDog · Scooby Slapper Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Karma :

... I'm going to have a go at adjusting the clutch tomorrow... will let you know how it goes... Confused

kasandrich · Trackday Trickster Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Karma :

hawkeye · Nova Slayer Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Karma :

My NC seems to rattle when I pull off sometimes. The chain is always at the right tension (I check it regularly) and its usually because the chain is a little dry. Check the chain adjustment and lube the chain and it should go away Smile

____________________
'89 R/W/B NC30
'The car in front is... in my way'

BadDog · Scooby Slapper Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Karma :

Right.

I had tightened the chain tension about a month ago because there seemed to be a bit of chain slack before the power was delivered in first gear.

According to my local bike shop (which I've just taken it down to) it's too tight at the moment - probably because I adjusted it to the correct tension without me sitting on it. They reckoned the original power delay problem was down to squared-off worn-out rubbers in the rear wheel and reckon it should cost about £80 to sort out.

I'm going to slacken the chain off a bit and see what happens. Thanks for all the help.

hawkeye · Nova Slayer Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Karma :

BadDog · Scooby Slapper Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Karma :

...that's why I posted it - to check just how true it is. Just checked my Haynes manual and you're right. Wasn't planning on taking it back there until I found out what everyone else thought. Do you have any idea what the problem might be?

hawkeye · Nova Slayer Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Karma :

As I and others have said above, try checking the adjustment and then try lubing the chain. I've found the chain to be pretty sensitive to lubing and the noise chain when pulling away goes away after a good lubing Thumbs Up

____________________
'89 R/W/B NC30
'The car in front is... in my way'

BadDog · Scooby Slapper Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Karma :

Wicked. I've got my bike back. Adjusted the chain and it was still making a lot of chain noise. Seemed pretty well lubed, but gave it a load more and it's sweet now.

hawkeye - Don't you find the adjustment between the chain being tight and slack is really small? What's your end-can (or is it a whole system) and how is it? I've got the stock one on there now, but could do with something to improve the 1-8000 rev range (8-14500 is goooood...)

Ta again everyone.

hawkeye · Nova Slayer Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Karma :

Yeah, the adjustment is a bit small, but thats due to the eccentric hub that adjusts the chain. You can also set the ride-height very slightly as well!!

My can is just an oval carbon fibre ART slip-on. Much better noise than a steel can (mate at uni has one on his NC). Below 8000, the NC will always be a bit weak. There are things you can do to the needles to tune out the midrange hole. Best to let a tuning shop take care of it Smile

____________________
'89 R/W/B NC30
'The car in front is... in my way'