I've had a problem with 4th gear for a while and I'm starting to get concerned. With bike running in neutral I have a growl and slight knock/bump feeling from the engine/clutch. If I pull the clutch lever in the noise goes away. I've learned from reading this forum that this is normal for VFR's and many other Honda's. However I'm getting a very similar feeling while driving the bike in 4th. I can't hear any odd noise or growl but the knock/bump feeling is still there. You can feel it in the pegs, seat, handlebars, gas tank, everywhere. It's most noticeable between 4000-5500. It's tough to determine the interval but if I had to guess I would say about the same rpm as the chain. The bike only has 18000 kms on it and I replaced the sprocket and chain at 15000 with Sunstar sprocket and DID chain. I don't think its the chain (tight link etc) because if it was, why only in 4th. I should note that the engine runs fine in 4th. Good power, no misses, no backfire. I sure hope someone here can help/reassure me that this 1)normal 2)easy to fix. I'm having trouble sleeping at night as I keep picturing the inside of my transmission with a huge chunk missing from 4th gear:boom::boom:
Charlie, I think the reason you are not getting answers is simply because few if any have a clue as to what the problem might be. Being an x motorcycle mechanic I cannot tell you what it might be. I think it is safe to say it involves the clutch or transmission. If it did not exhibit the problem in only fourth gear I would lean towards the clutch but it is difficult to say. When faced with a dilemma like this my approach has been to start disassemble and examination of parts looking over and measuring everything. I would start with the clutch and if necessary move to the transmission which admittedly is a lot of work.
