riding yesterday, bike was running fine. A noise coming from the primary started suddenly. Its coming from the back clutch area of the primary. whining spinning noise when the bike is not under load (uphill or throttled). Really evident when clutch is engaged or costing (no throttle, down hill). 90,000 on bike with no issues ever on tranny or clutch. Just looking for some input before I tear it apart. Thanks

 

If you pull the outer cover and the starter gear falls out you will know that was it.

 

Do you hear the noise with the bike in neutral, clutch lever released?

 

noise is the worst in neutral or clutch engaged

 

Engine running, in neutral, clutch lever pulled in, now drop the transmission into first gear, does the noise stop?

 

Clutch engaged means the hand lever is out, like with your hand off the handlebar. Clutch disengaged means you have the lever pulled in towards the handlebar.