OK, so I've started hearing a "gritty" sound coming from somewhere in the clutch/rear primary/transmission area. Sounds kind of like if you take a sanding block and slide it along a metal plate really fast.

I'm thinking that I may have a bearing going bad.

I hear it mostly in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears. Doesn't really go away when I pull the clutch in and only hear it when I'm moving. It has also started shifting a little harder (started doing this first). I have also noticed an intermittent vibration (replaced the front and rear motor mounts already)

I need to know best and worst case scenarios and best and worst case price. I know I'm going to have to save some cash up for it and want to know how long it's going to be before I will be back on the road.

Seems like the most likely causes (if it is a bearing) is:

Clutch Basket Bearing
Inner Primary Bearing
Transmission Mainshaft Bearing
Countershaft Needle Bearing

I appreciate any help you can give.

 

The main drive gear bearing (the big ball bearing on the left side of the trans.) seldom goes bad on 5 speeds, and likewise the countershaft needle bearing is also very dependable.

Some have had trouble with the needle bearings inside the Main Drive Gear moving out of place and failing, but I think this is usually associated with increased horsepower setups.

Here are some things to try in order to isolate where the noise is coming from:

Clutch Hub Bearing:

The only time this bearing is spinning is when the clutch lever is pulled in, and the bike is in gear.

You will hear it when you are stopped, in gear, with the clutch lever pulled in. If you put it in neutral and let go of the clutch lever it should stop making the noise.

Inner primary bearing:

With transmission in neutral, clutch lever released, you will hear the noise.

Pull clutch lever in (you will still hear the noise), and drop the transmission into gear, the noise will stop.

Once you start moving, the noise will come back.

Once you determine what is causing the noise, you will be able to get a better idea of what must be done.

Have you considered doing the repair yourself?

 

Thanks for the info. I will do a little more checking tomorrow.

I can do the work myself but no longer have the correct tools or space to work on it in this capacity.

 

OK... Now I feel like an imbecile...

The day I first noticed this sound was also the first day I wore my new helmet. I put my old helmet on to check it out and didn't hear the sound. Put the new one back on and it is normal primary sounds, just with a different tone because of the new helmet.

God I feel stupid...

 

I could write a book of the stupid things I have done...

Thanks for the update.