Strange noise letting clutch out at low speeds.

[captaindefib]

On my 2001 Kawasaki ER-5, I have noticed yesterday and this morning that when I let the clutch out in 1st moving slowly, it makes a loud rattle kind of sound.- It seems like the sound comes from the front end of the chain??
Going faster it doesn't do it, it only seems to be at slow speeds, in first or second gear. It only started yesterday, before that, it was quiet.

Anyway my questions are:

1. Do I need to be worried?
2. Any ideas what it could be?


Thanks
Jim
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Captaindefib
2001 Kawasaki ER-5 >>> 1997 Suzuki GSX600F >>> 2002 Triumph Sprint ST 955i

[Gazdaman]

I've heard of clutch baskets rattling.

That's as far as it goes, I don't actually know if it's a problem or not, either way clutches are cheap, but changing a basket is a pain in the ass job.

Gaz

[stinkwheel]

A rattle that goes away when you pull the clutch in is very suggestive of worn clutch bearings. It is a common problem in some Suzukis although not impossible on any bike.

Not entirely sure how the bearings are set up on an ER5 so I am not sure how likely this is to be your problem.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Barry_M2]

If it sounds like its coming from the chain area, then thats the left side of the bike, clutch is on the right of the engine.

You need to work out what side its coming from, could be something daft like a bracket worked its way loose, something tapping against the frame etc...

[captaindefib]

A mate of mine said that it could be a loose front sprocket, or the sprocket or chain might be worn.

Is this likely?

If it is the sprocket then is it just a question of tightening it?

thanks
Jim
____________________
Captaindefib
2001 Kawasaki ER-5 >>> 1997 Suzuki GSX600F >>> 2002 Triumph Sprint ST 955i

[stinkwheel]

The sprocket attaches with two small set-screws holding a thrust washer against it.

Yes, you would just need to tighten them up, but given how short they are and how fast the sprocket rotates, I would suspect that if they came loose, they would fall off very quickly.

Is it doing it only while you move along or when stationary too. If it happens while you are stationary, I can't see how it can be anything to do with the final drive.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[captaindefib]

Having had a closer look tonight, it would seem to be a problem with the chain- it seemed very loose, so i have tightened it up to the spec in the Haynes manual.
That solved the noise it was making as i was letting the clutch out, so i suspect that it was the chain making the sound??
I have noticed now that it seems to have a tight spot on it, so does not go round smoothly when i spin the wheel, so I think next stop is new chain.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Jim
____________________
Captaindefib
2001 Kawasaki ER-5 >>> 1997 Suzuki GSX600F >>> 2002 Triumph Sprint ST 955i