markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
My bike makes a bad "clunk" sometimes two when taking off in first. I fear for first gear. Will be doing valves on the down engine this week. Anyone have any ideas?
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Transmission or clutch issue?
- Thread starter markjs
- Start date
When exactly does it clunk? When you press the shift pedal and it drops into 1st from N, immediately as you release the clutch or, after the bike has moved forward a bit?
guessing loose chain?
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
When you take off in first, as if the clutch doesn't engage fully every time right away, or like teeth are not grabbing in first gear right every time.
Bizzy13
XS400 Addict
Adjust your clutch & check chain tension?
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
Did both and fine so far, but I've had gears go bad and this felt too close to that for my comfort.
Bizzy13
XS400 Addict
Time for surgery?!
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
Perhaps it was the chain or clutch because after adjustment (and the chain was loose) so far so good. Never had it hokey quite like that before though. Makes me nervous but as long as things are fine I'm happy. Just have to keep an eye on it.
how old is your oil? and does it happen when the engine's warm as well? Clutch plates might be sticky
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
Brand new Amsoil 20w50.
Watch your chain closely for any sign of bunching on the back sprocket.
I had a chain break this spring and it might be better to spend $50 now than to spend it repairing what a broken chain can chew up.
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
Naw, it did it again this morning. I hate to say it but it really feels as if first isn't fully engaging.
well you've had too much luck with XS400's anyways, getting one for free and another for very cheap and all. Karma's a b*tch 
just kidding, hope it turns out okay man!
just kidding, hope it turns out okay man!
I agree with Bizzy time to open that gear box up,look in there and see whats binding.
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
Naw, so far it's a minor issue. Sounds bad, only did it once yesterday, so I think it might be the clutch. I did get major improvement when I adjusted chain slack and clutch cable. Remember that's at least a 14 year old clutch cable that had absolutely no lubrication or protection from the elements. I also used the clutch cover for the old engine, and the cable, plus the clutch rod seal on the first engine pukes oil like mad, not that that has anything to do with this. I suppose come morning I will look for the other clutch cable, it could just be a sticky cable.
Make the little "funnel" out of a plastic bag, seal it to the end of the disconnected cable with a tight rubber band and pour a tablespoon of oil in the funnel. Hang it up overnight, place a dish or a newspaper underneath for the flow-through and you will have a "new" cable. If the "funnel" wants to collapse, make a holder out of tin foil...
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
Good idea thanks!
my friend with the 350,000 km BMW uses gear oil in the summer so it won't heat up, thin our and drain as fast ....
markjs
XS400 owner, bike lover
Tranny is definitely going. XS400 days are numbered.
Sorry to hear that,If my engine or something major goes bye bye xs
