primary noise

[cscycle]

Have a 2004 Buell Firebolt XB12R. Motorcycle has noise in primary drive. R&R cover, stator is good and tight. Alternator rotor in excellent condition, magnets ok, bolts for 2 piece rotor and splines all good and tight. Primary chain deflection was within specs. All looks good. But still have noise. Can not see anything physically wrong within primary drive.

Can anyone shed some light on the purpose of the springs that are in the back of the clutch drum. The spring retainer is riveted to the back of the drum. Looking how power is transferred from the drum to the clutch to the clutch hub spline, I am missing the function of the springs. The springs are loose within the retainer. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Mike

 

[user_deleted]

Can anyone shed some light on the purpose of the springs that are in the back of the clutch drum.

mike; that assembly acts as a shock dampener or cush drive. most every chain or belt driven bike has some sort of cush drive either in the clutch pack area or rear wheel hub. the device you are describing is to cushion and dampen some of the shock-load generated in the driveline and dampen what gets delivered to the belt. for smoothness, rideability, and component longevity

 

[07Bolt]

Check your clutch cable and everything routed into the primary. Clutch cable insert, primary adjustment bolt, drain plug, clutch pack retainers/washers/bolts, cover bolts and anything metal that might have drained out along with a fluid change.

 

[sparky300]

My 08 has always had the same issue as yours since the day I bought it 3 years ago with 19000 miles, noisy primary/clutch. I've done everything you've mentioned to include inspecting the mainshaft, clutch hub and pinion shaft bearings for play/damage as well as the clutch pack and shell. I only have ever had a few particles of metal on the magnet and the chain is properly adjusted.

It definitely makes more noise than my 03 but shifts fine so I've learned to ignore it and just ride it. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[cscycle]

Lunaticfringe, thanks for the response. I am more used to the Harley XL models that share some of the design that the Buell has. The later model XL's do not have the spring feature installed to the clutch drum. Does anyone have any tech data for the clutch drum damper springs? Are there wear limits for the springs? The springs in the one we have seem loose in the drum. Thanks.

 

[user_deleted]

Lunaticfringe, thanks for the response.

always my pleasure sir

Does anyone have any tech data for the clutch drum damper springs? Are there wear limits for the springs?

i don't. i know somewhere in the service manual mention is made about acceptable wear limit or looseness but can't find that info.

The later model XL's do not have the spring feature installed to the clutch drum.

that is true. i haven't worked on one in some time but later sportsters use a "sprung" or "dampener" plate in the middle of their clutch plate pack to accomplish the same thing.

 

[sparky300]

I don't see wear limits anywhere for the springs, just the note below