Grinding sound by right foot...

[evo]

I've been riding my Rocket to work again (usually ride my Suzuki DR650 supermoto as it's far better in traffic) and I've noticed it getting very warm by my right leg, moreso than what I ever remember...even though it's over 90 degrees here in the afternoon.

I also notice a kind of grinding sound occasionally, seemingly coming from beneath the engine, around where my right foot peg is (it's a Roadster).

I haven't noticed any performance issues, nor any oil or fluid leaks on my garage floor. It kind of sounded like the side stand was scraping at first, but obviously was not the case...any ideas as to what this might be? or somewhere to start looking at least?

As far as I know all the fluids are good, was serviced somewhat recently.
cheers.

 

[English Hov]

I've been riding my Rocket to work again (usually ride my Suzuki DR650 supermoto as it's far better in traffic) and I've noticed it getting very warm by my right leg, moreso than what I ever remember...even though it's over 90 degrees here in the afternoon.

I also notice a kind of grinding sound occasionally, seemingly coming from beneath the engine, around where my right foot peg is (it's a Roadster).

I haven't noticed any performance issues, nor any oil or fluid leaks on my garage floor. It kind of sounded like the side stand was scraping at first, but obviously was not the case...any ideas as to what this might be? or somewhere to start looking at least?

As far as I know all the fluids are good, was serviced somewhat recently.
cheers.

I heard similar noises when the shaft output bearing started disintegrating. But your bike is too modern for that...

 

[Mittzy]

Is this noise at speed or stationary idle with the clutch disengaged?
If so it oils just be the clutch basket noise. If you squeeze the lever a little does it go away?
Only two other thinhgs I can think of in the engine are 1. Timing chain problem or 2. Oil starvation in the cylinder head - only seen this once before when some debris blocked the oil flow to the head and chewed out a cam journal.
Check your oil looking for shiny metal particles (like metallic paint).
These are only suggestions as this noise could be radiating from somewhere else

 

[evo]

Is this noise at speed or stationary idle with the clutch disengaged?
If so it oils just be the clutch basket noise. If you squeeze the lever a little does it go away?
Only two other thinhgs I can think of in the engine are 1. Timing chain problem or 2. Oil starvation in the cylinder head - only seen this once before when some debris blocked the oil flow to the head and chewed out a cam journal.
Check your oil looking for shiny metal particles (like metallic paint).
These are only suggestions as this noise could be radiating from somewhere else

I did just fairly recently have the clutch basket replaced, forgot to mention that... I think we may have a winner... I'll double-check with clutch lever tomorrow to see if the sound goes away...I notice it at low speed when coming to a stop and sometimes when slowing down after gunning it - i think.
thanks!

 

[evo]

yep, seems to go away when pulling in the clutch lever.

would this be making a sound due to lack of oil or something? or in need of adjustment?

cheers!

 

[warp9.9]

yep, seems to go away when pulling in the clutch lever.

would this be making a sound due to lack of oil or something? or in need of adjustment?

cheers!

Listen down on the engine by the clutch actuating lever at idle and see if you hear the rattle there. If it is there lightly squeeze the clutch lever and see if it goes away. If it does its probably the lifter piece rattling. Make sure the free play is 2 to 3 mm per manual. It could be you have the small headed lifter piece. This will not hurt anything. Do not take the freeplay out but reduce it to 2 mm and see if you hear it

 

[Bedifferent]

I've had that clutch basket rattle since I bought my bike. At first I thought...what the heck is that. I then read several posts on the forum who said there was nothing to worry about...Ducati's are even worse they tell me.

 

[barbagris]

Some Ducatis have DRY clutches and do indeed rattle. But nothing like the old Benelli Six - again dry multiplate clutch but under a simple tin cover.

 

[stollydriver]

My mate had a Ducati 916 with dry clutch - his clutch drowned out the engine noise of my then TL1000 V twin. The only bike where ear defenders are required for clutch rattle..

 

[leatal]

Listen down on the engine by the clutch actuating lever at idle and see if you hear the rattle there. If it is there lightly squeeze the clutch lever and see if it goes away. If it does its probably the lifter piece rattling. Make sure the free play is 2 to 3 mm per manual. It could be you have the small headed lifter piece. This will not hurt anything. Do not take the freeplay out but reduce it to 2 mm and see if you hear it

I too have the clutch rattle at idle (with the clutch lever released). Has anyone had the lifter piece ceramic coated? I wonder if doing so would eliminate some of the rattle and make the clutch pull even easier?