83 XJ1100 rattles in neutral

Hello,

I recently purchased a 1983 Xj1100, and have been riding it around a bit. I noticed that only once the bike is warmed up, it develops a bit of a rattle. It doesn't have any sort of pattern to it, and sounds a bit random - it is fairly loud though. It increases in frequency with the rpm of the engine, but does not sound like the engine itself is knocking in any way.

Today while I had the bike warm, I was revving it in neutral to listen to the rattle. At some point something sounded like it caught, and actually stopped the engine while it was near 3000 rpm.

Once the bike is in gear, the rattle completely goes away and the bike runs awesome.


I was thinking it could have something to do with the clutch - does anyone here have any ideas?

Thanks

 

Given your description, clutch seems like a good place to start investigating. What is your comfort level tearing into a clutch?

 

Clutch hub bearing perhaps?

 

I think that’s a possibility too. I’ve never experienced a bad clutch hub bearing so I don’t know if it matches the symptoms. I suppose either way you need to get into the clutch and inspect the bearing while you’re in there.

 

Yes my 900f was a screeching sound but intermittent. Changed the bearing and noise vanished. There was side movement in the clutch hub when l checked.

 

Mine sounded like this Suzuki

 

Here is the bearing on the 900f.

 

Part 7 and 14?

https://images.cmsnl.com/img/partslists/yamaha-xs1100-1981-b-usa-clutch_bigyau0717c-7_b3e3.gif

 

Good that you figured that out, my first impression would be the starter clutch slightly engaging

 

I am glad it was not the starter clutch at the time, it was an easy repair. Splitted the cases later on to replace the starter/alternator chain guide, starter clutch etc.

 

Hey guys, thanks for the insight. I think I will order a complete clutch rebuild kit, and the two parts that Franz mentioned if the hub bearing has play. The clutch seems to slip a bit and the bike was sitting for a long time before I purchased it, so I think it may be a good idea to replace everything while I'm in there. I read that some other XJ bikes have a problem where the oil pump drive gear can rattle - does this effect the XJ1100 as well?

 

I have not heard that about the oil pump drive gear. Is your clutch cable property adjusted? Are you using JASO rated engine oil suitable for wet clutches, the wrong oil can cause clutch slip. Shell Rotella is suitable. Is the noise definitely coming from the clutch? A loose exhaust header pipe can cause rattling, loose baffles in exhaust can cause rattling sound. Best to check these before you buy any parts.

 

Check ur right and left side exhaust pipe where it connects to the muffler, located under the small heat shield. These are prone to crack and make a rattle-buzz w engine rpm.