Norge V8- rolling neutral clunking

[MSF- NH Ridercoach]

Finally added a Guzzi to the stable, long time lust. 2011 V8. first 2000 miles have been amazing. Recently however a disturbing clunk clunk occurs when downshifting in lower gears. Also, in neutral, clutch in, rolling forward and back you can feel and hear the same.
Thoughts? insight? advice? open to any direction.
TY in advance- first forum post ever...

 

[King of Fleece]

Can't help but there is a very good Guzzi shop in CT if you need assistance.
Hamlin Cycles.

 

[john zibell]

Does it do this only after riding awhile or all the time, that is even when cold? When it is doing this, put the bike on the center stand, engine off in neutral. Rotate the back wheel by hand. Let us know what you hear and feel. I have a suspect, but I want to hear the results of this check.

As a side note, has the roller conversion been performed yet?

 

[Bill Hagan]

Can't help but there is a very good Guzzi shop in CT if you need assistance.
Hamlin Cycles.

I was similarly impressed with Seacoast in Derry -- http://seacoastsport.com -- when stranded while at 2015 national rally.

Does it do this only after riding awhile or all the time, that is even when cold? When it is doing this, put the bike on the center stand, engine off in neutral. Rotate the back wheel by hand. Let us know what you hear and feel. I have a suspect, but I want to hear the results of this check.

As a side note, has the roller conversion been performed yet?

WJS.

FWIW, my '07 Norge used to worry me with a "disturbing clunk clunk" heard while idling in neutral or when pushing with clutch in. All "while cold" phenoms. Not sure our trannies are same, but the is apparently not an issue of concern. The "when downshifting" does not, however, sound as benign. Not intentionally being patronizing, but you are sure you are not doing that at too high RPM?

Will be interested in John Z and others' diagnoses.

Bill

 

[MSF- NH Ridercoach]

Does it do this only after riding awhile or all the time, that is even when cold? When it is doing this, put the bike on the center stand, engine off in neutral. Rotate the back wheel by hand. Let us know what you hear and feel. I have a suspect, but I want to hear the results of this check.

As a side note, has the roller conversion been performed yet?

John

Your correct, only occurs when up at temp, not cold. On center stand, cold, nothing occurs; smooth and tight. Ill get her out this afternoon and try again when warm.

Don't believe the RC was done... I purchased it with 8000 miles on it and have what i believe to be most of the service records.
Kind of expected some "character" but this is more concerning.

Bill- as you know its a torquey tranny so RPMs are a bit higher from time to time. But under normal use, no i'm able to match road with engine speed well enough.

Seacoast will be my shop if it's beyond my wrenching skills.

Appreciate all responses so far.

 

[john zibell]

I suspect the universal joint that is at the output shaft of the gearbox. One if the crosses was probably assembled without enough grease. It will need to be replaced. This will be an opportunity to grease the swing arm bearings as well as the suspension needle bearings. See this thread https://www.guzzitech.com/forums/threads/how-to-check-swingarm-and-linkage-bearings-on-ntx.9978/ Same procedure applies to your Norge.

 

[MSF- NH Ridercoach]

Output shaft U-joint... Vincenzo was slacking that day. Not a tough fix. As long as is not inside the cases i'm good. thanks for that link!

Getting back to your diagnostic questions:

• Warmed on the center stand, in neutral, rolling the wheel sounds and feels normal, just faint gear movement.
• Warmed-up: down shifting 3rd to 2nd it's slightly noticeable, 2nd to 1st its three clear clunks. In 1st while squeezing in the clutch then easing it out i hear a single slap.
• Clutch in, rolling it in the shop forward and back, clear clunk clunks in both directions.

Having you suggest a U-joint makes sense.

Thankful- Anthony

 

[john zibell]

Roll with the clutch out in neutral. If it clicks when hot then u-joint. If in only clicks with the clutch pulled in while in gear it may be a clutch plate issue. When someone else is doing the "checks" it makes diagnostics difficult as variables in the procedure are introduced that we may not be aware of.