What did I break? Transmission output shaft?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by jgaskell, Jun 15, 2021.

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  1. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    2006 VFR800A, 49000 km on it. Was riding on the highway in 6th gear and rolled on the throttle. Was into the power band, maybe close to 8000 RPM, when the engine red lined and I was loosing power. Initially thought the clutch, but probably not.
    With the bike stopped and the clutch in, found neutral, then 1st gear, let the clutch out, nothing, tried 2nd as well as all others, no motion, no sense of load to the engine. When I let the clutch out in any gear, I can hear what I think is shafts turning in the transmission. The bike has always had a bump, when clutched in and shifting into gear, that is not present now.

    Chain is still there, so what did I break? Anyone have any experience here?
     
  2. bk94si

    bk94si Member

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    Have you ever replaced the sprockets?
     
  3. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    Update. Yes, the sprockets have been replaced, maybe 5000 km on them.
    I put the bike on the Centre stand, put the bike in gear to see if I would be able to turn the rear wheel. Wheel does turn with the the engine STOPPED and the transmission in gear. I can see the drive sprocket in place, all looks good. When I turn the wheel, I can see the output shaft turning.
    Also ran the engine with the oil fill cap off, can see the clutch turning, put the bike in gear, with engine running and got no movement of the wheel.

    I can only think something let go in the transmission ?
     
  4. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    Yes, sprockets are maybe 5000 km on them.
     
  5. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    So...clutch outer is turned by the crankshaft...
    Rear wheel turns chain turns output shaft...
    In my mind I can't picture why all the gears would fail to engage across all ratios without something truly catastrophic (especially as you believe you can change gears)
    I imagine the mystery must lie between the clutch outer to clutch inner (splines on basket/inner or friction between plates)
    How does the clutch lever feel? When you look through the oil filler hole can you see a bit of movement of the clutch plates opening/closing?

    If your clutch is jammed in the open position (don't know how) then this would be the result.
     
  6. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Remove the right hand centre cover & using a wrench turn the engine over whilst bike is on the centre stand & in gear - ENGINE TURNED OFF. Does it spin the back wheel? Whilst using the wrench put hand on rear tyre - does this stop the rotation?

    Also thinking the clutch is your issue.
     
  7. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    clutch lever feels correct and yes, can see movement off the clutch mechanism when operating the clutch lever.
     
  8. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    In your position, I would pull the clutch cover and investigate the condition of the clutch. Since there wasn't any
    loud BANG, no grinding or crunching, I'd be looking at clutch plates/basket.

    I don't think I would run the engine anymore since you may have small metal parts in the oil that could get sucked into the oil pump.

    Please keep us posted, I, for one, am really curious what happened.
     
  9. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    I am buried with a flooring project. As soon as I get clear of that, I will drop the oil and pull the Centre cover for a look at the clutch. I really hope it is all busted, as that is far more fixable than any thing in the transmission.
     
  10. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    On the side stand you would likely not have to drop the oil. But prob a good idea to see if it's "shimmery."
     
  11. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    SoI finally got clear of various projects, cleared up the garage so I could have a look at the bike. Dropped the oil, looked clean, no flakes of anything.
    Pulled off the Centre Cover for a look at the clutch. Externally, all looks fine, everything is clean. Nothing wrong with the gears between main output shaft from the engine. So I put the bike in first gear and turned the rear wheel, turns freely, not a hint of movement at the clutch shaft. If I pull the clutch in, I can turn the shaft, let the clutch out, can not budge it. Seems the clutch is fine, something is broken in the transmission .

    Anyone need a parts bike? Engine runs strong, just no transmission...
     
  12. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    Drop it off and I will take care of it. I am beyond curious what has gone wrong.
     
  13. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Where are you located?
     
  14. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    Collingwood
     
  15. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    I took a short video of the clutch shaft, while turning the back wheel with the bike in first gear. DM me if you want me to email it to you. 5.5 MB, .mov format.
     
  16. GreginDenver

    GreginDenver New Member

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  17. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I can't really comment except to say I'd have to see it myself. I'd pull the clutch apart and see what's working and not working..... e.g., is the basket notched not letting the plates move freely? Etc.
     
  18. zombie

    zombie New Member

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    When you pull the clutch lever, the slave cylinder pushes the rod that goes through the engine to the clutch. Mine was sticky and wasn't releasing smoothly all the time. I removed it, cleaned and lubricated it and the problem was solved. I would check that as it would cause your exact issue if it isnt releasing the clutch.
     
  19. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    Worthwhile thought. I did have the rod out when I changed the sprockets. Also, did just pull the front sprocket cover to have a look, make sure the sprocket was turning with the shaft, so nothing stripped. With the Centre cover off, was able to operate the clutch and see it moving full range, turn the shaft with the clutch pulled in, and unable to move it with the clutch let out.

    A curious one...
     
  20. jgaskell

    jgaskell New Member

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    So... due to time constraints, I simply am not in a position to pull the bike to pieces to get at the transmission, I have sold it as is, to someone with a Gen 6 suffering electrical issues. He can go either way, pull computers and harness etc from the 2006, or get the pieces he needs from his older one.

    Did ask him to let me know what he ultimately finds, but think he will not get into it till Winter.

    I am convinced there is something let go in the transmission. Able to shift into any gear, hear things running in the transmission, but nothing at the output shaft.

    If I hear back, will let ya all know. Thanks for the input. Already missing that bike and would love to have another... not really the right time though.
     
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