Hey guys, I just got a brand new 06 VFR. When I shift into neutral with the clutch pulled in, everything is good. When I (still in neutral) let the clutch out fully I hear & feel some sort of grinding or friction from the engine. Not enough to move the bike but I don't remember hearing it before. BTW - the bike only has 400KM on it. Maybe it needs an adjustment? Any ideas?? Thanks in advance.
I had the same thing happen. Not so much a grinding noise just a change in the sound of the engine that I hadn't heard before. Started at around 500 miles. Was told by the dealer it was normal.
I hear the same thing on my 07. I don't think it is a problem. I am no Kevin Cameron, but I drove past a Holiday Inn Express... I believe that: When you let the clutch lever out in neutral, the clutch's springs engage the clutch plates, they start to turn the transmission's drive shaft , but since the shaft is not engaged with a gear (it is "in-between" 1st & 2nd), that clutch assembly and shaft turning make the "noise" you hear. The same noise is likely there at the same idle RPM, but the engaged gears dampen it or are louder than it. Try letting the clutch out in neutral on a manual transmission car and the sound changes as well since now more stuff is spinning. So the clutch being engaged and turning the shaft with no gears is likely less wear on your clutch plates than idling for awhile with the clutch pulled. With the clutch pulled, not only are you working out your left hand's muscles, but the clutch and pressure plates are spinning against each other in their oil bath. - Paul
