GSF650 (2007) Vibration Issue Narrowed to Thrust Bearing

[FelixBisto]

Hey All,

I have scoured the internet for information on this to no avail!

I've had my GSF650 since 7k and it's now up to 36k (Commute to work / 1000 miles a month)

It developed the dreaded vibration issue around 5000 / 6000rpm which I learnt to live with. It then got a little worse so I decided to investigate.

I started by changing the sprokets / chain / front wheel bearing / tyres / oil. None of this helped, I then realised that the vibrations happened regardless of travel (The bike is smooth when the clutch is pulled in and coasting) however if you rev it in neutral to 5000rpm+ it vibrates as such I paid the dealership to check the shims whilst I balanced the carbs (Didn't need it but I tweaked them anyway)

A mechanic advised me it was likely to be the thrust bearing in the clutch (he said they were un replacable in bandits) as such I've purchased a new clutch kit ready (as I may as well change it whilst I inspect inspect the thrust bearing in the clutch)

Has anyone done any of this? I have narrowed it down to this area but someone on another post mentioned the cush springs in the clutch.

Any info would be great before I get neck deep in there to find out if the bearing is screwed (If it can be replaced / how?)

I have a Haines manual but it glosses over the bearing part (worrying)

I am not ready to give the bike up as I've carried loads of work out on it and kitted it out with all my touring gear! I can live with the vibrations (I have dampened them with lead shot in the handlebars, decent bar weights and silcon sealent in the footpegs) I have also tiightend up the engine mounts just in case.

Sorry to waffle on but I am at my whits end with this and don't want to give in!!!

Cheers,

[bikenut]

https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/main/img/assemblies/large/694aac16f15a5262d34a7e327edd29fd.png?6

cmsnl dont list this.......

so what thrust bearing exactly? part number 5?

clutch basket part number 1 and its bush is expensive and has shock absorbing springs by the look of things.

notice the clutch is nutted onto the input shaft.

if you are convinced its a clutch problem then remove cover and inspect......

notice......https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/main/img/assemblies/large/706418cabadae9d2703890362f5e9644.png?6 34....is the engine loose??

interesting....https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/main/img/assemblies/large/e97b33a77c462a1fbefc219e4e5beadd.png?6 crank thrust shells part 6 and 7, crank end float....

no balance shaft/weight system in this engine....
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nuts about bikes

[FelixBisto]

hey bikenut,

I am due to inspect it when the clutch kit arrives (Thought I might as well change it when inspecting it (After soaking them of course)

The thrust bearing is part 5 and it is removable but I have a feeling the bush / shock springs on the clutch might have gone as it's odd it only vibrates at certain rev ranges / certain harmonies!

The engine isn't loose (Well so far as I can tell) all bolts tightened, head taken off for shims and then replaced not to mention carbs tuned.

I just hate to give up on the bike but it seems that everyone else does as no one seems to resolve the vibration issue (They just live with it)

It's unlikely the input shaft could be loose right?

[bikenut]

brill, fowlers exploded views dont seem to work today at my end, could you post the doagram for the gearbox to show what controls g/box input shaft end float ( in and out play ) .

It may be entirely controlled via the input shaft clutch end bearing?

If the input shaft had tooooo much endfloat expect ju8mping out of gear and poor gear selection.

You do realise that the input shaft/clucth assembly would tend to be "pushed out" away from the engine when the clutch lever is pulled in on the handlebar.

Any noise/vibes when you do this??

Since you are replacing the clutch plates, post pics and do a good inspection of all the parts, expect play/wobble with the clutch drum/basket....
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nuts about bikes

[FelixBisto]

If you delete the "?6" at the end of the links you posted and then copy them to the address bar they work:

https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/main/img/assemblies/large/694aac16f15a5262d34a7e327edd29fd.png

https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/main/img/assemblies/large/706418cabadae9d2703890362f5e9644.png

https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/main/img/assemblies/large/e97b33a77c462a1fbefc219e4e5beadd.png

Sadly all the words you said somewhat went over my head.

I will take photos of the internals as I sort it (Will have a crack this weekend as the clutch kit has just arrived)

I'm hoping to sort this as there are so many people all over the place with the same problem and they haven't concluded it (just binned the bike / which I am close to)

Close to buying a Triumph ST Sprint 1050

[bikenut]

Sadly all the words you said somewhat went over my head.



oh dear, look at the pictures and try to understand whats what and how it works, not rocket science believe me.

How do you intend to stop the clutch nut from turning the shaft when you undo it??

The bike has the means so have a little think about that.

https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/main/img/assemblies/large/694aac16f15a5262d34a7e327edd29fd.png?6


looking at that diagram again, do you have to undo the nut??
to replace the clutch plates???
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nuts about bikes

[FelixBisto]

"You do realise that the input shaft/clucth assembly would tend to be "pushed out" away from the engine when the clutch lever is pulled in on the handlebar.

Any noise/vibes when you do this??"

When I clutch in the vibrations disappear, however if I then rev the bike up to around 6000rpm (With the clutch in) there is def some noticable vibrations still hanging around.

Sorry about the over my head comment, I often need to see / visualise things before I understand what you mean.

The clutch nut I believe needs to be unshanked with a punch / hammer and then I will socket the nut and brace the basket with something from the workshop (rag it up to protect it)

I don't have to undo the nut to replace the clutch plates but to get at "Thrust" bearing (if thats the issue) I believe it hides behind the nut!

I doubt the clutch plates would cause this sort of vibration on their own (I might be wrong)

The bike has no issue selecting gears (Sometimes has a hard time at traffic likes dropping to 1st if I haven't planned ahead) I haven't noticed it truely slipping.

(Again thank you for even spending your time looking into this)