[TW_in_BC]

It appears as though the problem I had a while ago, is back!

Thought it had to do with excess oil level - NO.

Thought it might be tire related - NO...although my tires were rather low.



Third gear...around 3000-3500 RPM, or 4th gear giving it gas...sounds like something is grabbing and releasing, yet I get no feeling of speed increase/decrease as it is happening.

When I got home, I revved it up to the same level (standing still)...runs fine, so I don't think it is anything to do with carb or ignition. I suspect something in the drive...chain and BOTH sprockets are fairly new (2000 miles old) and chain tension is within acceptable limits.



Ideas?

 

[assquatch20]

Shot in the dark, but the clutch maybe? Could be slipping. That might fit, but it would show a slight speed drop unless it happens very quickly. This can be oil and adjustment related. I won't tell you what oil to use, but you can read up if you're unsure you're using a good one for wet clutches.



Or intermittent spark. For the spark, get the bike good and warm and see if it still has the problem standing still. Ignition coils will give a similar effect that gets worse as the problem goes on, eventually feeling like low fuel, but it only happens when it's hot usually and in high revs.





As well, possibly a jet in the carb, but if it's hard to recreate the issue I would lean away from that one.

 

[admiral]

On the lines of where assquatch20 is going in regards to the clutch. Is there and unusual smell or odor recently during the condition you describe? Sometimes a clutch slipping or burning will emit a unique smell.

 

[assquatch20]

I should also mention wind buffeting could be fooling you. Turning your head a weird direction, a wind shield, all kinds of factors for that.

 

[Rainman]

Is your rear sprocket nice and tight up against the wheel?

 

[TW_in_BC]

Was considering the clutch, but it still seems fairly strong...am able to stall with a 2nd gear start, and pulling STEEEEEP hills is not a problem. No strange smells or other sensations that point to clutch, but it might be worth re-visiting this...

Oil is the same I've used since I bought it; Mobil 4T syn.

Sprocket appears to be OK...this all started at my last oil change about a month ago...wierd.



Again, this morning on my way in to work...third gear, lugging slightly and when I give her gas, it's WaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAA....until she gets up to about 3000 RPM. Hope everyone is able to "imagine" what that sounds like...LOL!

 

[jbfla]

TWinBc,



Pardon if my memory fails me... Weren't you one of us that had to "blip start" your TW?



I traced my problem to a faulty ignition coil, even though it tested within specs.



Jb

 

[TW_in_BC]

TWinBc,



Pardon if my memory fails me... Weren't you one of us that had to "blip start" your TW?



I traced my problem to a faulty ignition coil, even though it tested within specs.



Jb

Yes, I often "blip" start.

The reason I don't think it's ignition-related, is that I cannot duplicate the effect when standing still. She revs fine all the way up...even if I bring it up slowly.

Having said that, I am not discounting that it MIGHT be an ignition problem; it's just that it occurred immediately AFTER an oil change that has me wondering.

How did you determine it was a coil problem if it tested within specs?





How about timing chain? That is one item I've never paid much attention to...

 

[elime]

While riding along sometimes my TW feels like the clutch momentarily slips and then grabs. When I test the clutch by putting a load on it it holds solid. Not even a hint of slippage. I have no idea what it could be but it doesn't seem to be getting worse so I try to ignore it.

 

[TW_in_BC]

Well...either way, I'll be ordering a new clutch kit from PC in the next few days. http://www.procycle.us/bikepages/tw200.html

I have over 25,000 miles on the original clutch so it might be time.

 

[jbfla]

Yes, I often "blip" start...

How did you determine it was a coil problem if it tested within specs?

Disconnect the coil leads and check the primary and secondary resistance with an ohm meter.



The specs and procedure are in the manual... p 73 of the Supplemental Manual.



primary: 0.18 - 0.28 ohms at 68 degrees F



secondary: 6.32 - 9.48 ohms at 68 F



I have also had the feeling of a slipping clutch. But that was when I changed to a different motor oil. With the Mobil 1 4T, I haven't had a problem.



jb

 

[B-dub]

Your description sounds like my experience with my clutch. A few times it has slipped at higher rpm producing the WaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa sound. It's only happened a few times, and only when it was cold. I just figured I must not have warmed the bike up well enough and the thicker vicosity of the oil was preventing the discs from grabbing the plates. I just let off a little bit when it happened, and no more problem. Like your bike the clutch has been fine otherwise. I used Valvoline 20-50 motorcycle oil, and now Mobil 1 20-50 motorcycle oil.

 

[TW_in_BC]

Your description sounds like my experience with my clutch. A few times it has slipped at higher rpm producing the WaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa sound. It's only happened a few times, and only when it was cold. I just figured I must not have warmed the bike up well enough and the thicker vicosity of the oil was preventing the discs from grabbing the plates. I just let off a little bit when it happened, and no more problem. Like your bike the clutch has been fine otherwise. I used Valvoline 20-50 motorcycle oil, and now Mobil 1 20-50 motorcycle oil.

Now that you mention it...these past two times were particularly colder days and I didn't have the chance to warm it up as much as I usually do...so this has some merit.



Then again, it's the only answer that requires NO WORK, so that might be why it's so appealing...

 

[frog13]

TW-in-BC.....what was the resolve on your issue....if any?.

 

[scotti158]

My TW makes the same kind of sound but I believe it's just a resonation type of sound caused by tires, engine vibes, chain and sprockets vibes etc. going into and out of sync.

 

[jbfla]

Yes, I often "blip" start.



How did you determine it was a coil problem if it tested within specs?

Thanks Frog for bringing this back up.



I re-read my post and realized I didn't answer TW in BC's question about the ignition coil.



I just happened to have another ignition coil on hand.



A timing light was used to check the the spark.



Here's a link to the rest of the story:



http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/5336-hard-starting/page__view__findpost__p__53262



Jb

 

[TW_in_BC]

TW-in-BC.....what was the resolve on your issue....if any?.

Sorry...haven't checked the forum in a while!

Since those few times, the issue has NOT repeated itself. As the weather has been warming up (somewhat) I am leaning to the explanation about the cold oil acting on the clutch plates.

My insurance ran out early in the month and I haven't had the funds to renew it, so I've been riding the DR lately...





Soon....

 

[TW_in_BC]

OK...this issue has reared its ugly head again over the past few days. It hasn't been that cold, and the noise disappears once she is good and hot, but the first few miles are awful.
It really sounds as though something is "grabbing" in the engine, and my hunch points to the clutch (haven't replaced it yet)...but I am also wondering if this might have to do with the timing chain. What does it sound like when they are worn?