I've got an 82 sportster xlch that I've only had for about 4 months. It's my first bike since my huffy back in grade school.

Anyway when I take off into 1st gear I'll hear a clanking sound(maybe more of a loud clicking?), and I've noticed a progressive loss of response when I turn the throttle once in gear. For example, I'll be accelerating and shifting and no matter how much throttle I give it the bike doesn't want to accelerate as fast as I know it should. Often times it will jerk forward like itfinally has caught some traction.Things that come to mind are either a worn sprocket or a failing clutch.

Thanks
Tony

 

Check that your plug wires are on and they are not arcing to ground. Aside from that it would be all a guess without hearing it.

 

so maybe its a combustion issue? I'll go ahead and checkthe plug wires.

I'm learning as I go.

 

With the lack of power you mention and then the kicking in also, it sounds as if one cylinder is acting up and not firing all the time. Check the condition and age of the plugs too.

 

The spark plugs are brand new.

The clacking noise is only when engagingfirst gearand moving from a stopped position. Once moving that noise is no longer an issue.

 

Could it be the normal clanking noise that harleys make when shifting?

Try holding the clutch in for a few seconds, then shift it into first and see if it still does it.

 

I've ridden a few other bikes and I know what sound you are referring to, and maybe this is just what older bikes do but it didn't sound normal to me.

What symptoms would have failing clutch have? Anything like what I've described?

 

It all depends on what part is failing in the clutch. Usually slippage or dragging is the common problems when a clutch is going out. There are othewr parts that would give different symptoms too.