Transmission things..

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by sigint, Aug 2, 2019.

  1. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    Hello guys. I've got about 1600 miles on my VFR, and I've noticed some behavior that's been really bugging me. I've had a few bikes in the past, none of them have had these quirks, if they can be called that. Just want to share, and see if any of you can confirm these as characteristics of the bike, or identify them as issues that should be looked at.

    • The heavy clutch. Man, this thing is heavy. A friend of mine just bought a 2019 CB650R and the difference in effort required to pull in the clutch is astounding. I thought hydraulic clutches were supposed to feel light? I commute on this bike and I actually think it's causing some chronic inflammation in my knuckles. I don't exactly have strong hands, but I can close one of these a few times (requires 100lb of force).
    • Upshifts. For some reason, I find it near impossible to make a smooth and seamless upshift on this bike using the clutch. I have a suspicion that it's due to how hard it is for me to engage and disengage the clutch repeatedly. I end up not being nearly as smooth as I am with a normal clutch when engaging (releasing). And the clutch almost always slips a bit as I'm in the process of applying throttle and releasing the clutch past the friction zone.
    • Strange scratching noise when the clutch is pulled in, in 1st gear. Doesn't matter how fast/slow I'm going, there's this odd scratching noise. There doesn't seem to be a rhythm to it, just sounds like something is moving or scraping around a bit in the gearbox. This is accompanied by a general whining sound that comes from the engine almost all of the time, but particularly at lower RPM (or maybe that's the only time I can hear it?)
    • Sound. The engine generally just seems like it's struggling to get around. There's this constant whining from it, it runs very hot and just seems a bit.. edgy. It feels a lot more natural when VTEC kicks in.

    What are your thoughts?
     
  2. Vulcanator

    Vulcanator New Member

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    I agree with you about the clutch, I feel it is heavier than it should be. I put that down to the master cylinder Honda decided to use-they use it on other models so it may not be optimal. I have none of the other issues you describe. As a suggestion did you try adjusting the clutch lever position? That might make a difference.
     
  3. fink

    fink Member

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    Don’t find the clutch heavy at all. With no problems on a city commute. As for the rest have never experienced any of the symptoms you suggest.

    Honda clutches are a bit noisy.

    As for the shifts without any further details I would suggest operator error.
     
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  4. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    when was the last time you bleed the clutch - or serviced it?
     
  5. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    That’s interesting. You don’t find the clutch difficult to operate compared to other bikes? I wonder if something’s wrong with mine. I would like to believe the upshifts are just a problem with the way I’m operating the clutch, and maybe that’s the case but I can hop on my R6 and upshift perfectly fine. Maybe this bike is just harder to ride?
     
  6. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    Never. It only has 1600 miles. I guess I will try this next.
     
  7. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    Mileage doesn’t matter, hydraulic fluids should be changed every 2 years, it’s in the owners handbook

    I totally agree with Finks answers
     
  8. Laker

    Laker New Member

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    You can get Speedbleeders from wiremybike, makes clutch fluid change super fast and easy. I would check the airbox for mice if you think the motor is struggling. They setup house in there and cut off the air, fuckers. Something is not right. These bikes are easy to ride so check it out. You will be fine.
     
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  9. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    I've owned three VFR's with none of the problems you state. Your bike or the rider has serious issues.
     
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  10. fink

    fink Member

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    Can you clutchless upshift?
     
  11. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    Bled the clutch today. Unfortunately no change in feel, still quite heavy.
     
  12. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    Yeah, I can. It's harder on this bike for sure, so I prefer to just use the clutch.
     
  13. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    Also I forgot to mention sometimes I feel like a brief loss of power in first gear. Almost like a lag of some kind. You twist the throttle and it just won't go for a bit. The revs don't jump, it just sort of... lags.
     
  14. Economist

    Economist New Member

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    When the motor is very cold, It will do this. Once it has run for a few minutes this goes away.
     
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  15. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Let's start at the beginning..

    1. What bike do you have - model
    2. How old is it?
    3. How many miles is on it total?
    4. Have you had this issue since you bought it?
    5. They all run hot - what are your temps?
     
  16. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Just my 2 cents worth...

    A strange scratching sound releasing the clutch sounds like the air intake flapper solenoid cycling open-closed. Usually caused by a dirty clutch microswitch at the lever causing intermittent electrical contact. Try spraying contact cleaner and working the switch a few times.

    A hydraulic clutch should only be as stiff as the fluid seals and the clutch spring resistance make it, and the VFR does not have a heavy clutch. I'd suggest going through and lubricating the clutch lever pivot, and if you are feeling keen you can remove the clutch slave and slide out the long clutch pushrod and polish that up.
     
  17. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    My '99 has as easy a clutch as any bike I've ridden. I have the shorty levers and it's a two finger
    operation. Sounds like yours is messed up, you need to have someone look at it who knows how
    things work. Somethin' aitn't right.
     
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  18. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    Alright guys I think I'm just crazy. The noise when the clutch is pulled in that I'm talking about is exactly this sound. WTF is that? Also my pads might be rubbing a bit causing some additional noise.. I will try lubing the pivot Terry, thanks for that. I have a feeling it's going to just be an issue with the seals. When I squeeze it and release it, it feels basically like I'm pressing on top of one of [​IMG] , a large and strong one though!
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2019
  19. Ro Dento

    Ro Dento New Member

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    I have not experienced the difficult clutch pull. I have heard the scratching sound in first gear with the clutch pulled in. Not sure about the cause.
     
  20. sigint

    sigint New Member

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    Hello again guys. Just got in from my morning commute. I think the bleed actually did improve the feel and I just wasn't able to notice it on my short test ride that evening. It does feel a bit better, and I can use less clutch to complete gear changes now. It does feel stiff, but not as much as it used to.
     
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