clunking noise when clutch half-way engaged

As the title states, my 98 VFR makes a clunking/grinding noise from the tranny when the clutch is half way engaged. Friction zone feels smooth and clutch operates normally. I can work the clutch in and out of the "clunk" zone. It sounds like rocks getting crushed in the transmission. It can't be good.

I've noticed many other people posting threads about this grinding clutch noise but no posted solutions.

Anybody have any knowledge on this issue?

 

You sure it if from the trans, and not from the flapper valve in the airbox? If you are sitting in neutral doing this, then just for giggles, lift the fuel tank, pull the vacuum line off of the flapper valve on the air box (only vacuum line on the top of the air box you can see) and plug it with a golf tee (or anything that will fit), put the tank back down and see if the noise is gone. It will only take a couple of minutes to try.
To lift the tank, remove the seat, take the two small bolts out of the front of the tank and lift.
If the noise is gone, bolt the tank back up and forget about the flapper valve.

 

Wow, thanks for the reply. I could have been convinced it was coming from the tranny, since it is extemely loud and I can feel crunching in the footpegs. But when I get back to my bike, I'll give it a try. What is the purpose of the flapper valve?