Vibration and Play in drive-line

[TobyRSTD]

I have been riding an 05 RSTD26000 for a few years, and I love it, other than the engine whine, but I can live with that.

A few weeks back I was on a longer ride, Heard a pinging noise like every mile for like 20 miles. Then developed a vibration I can feel in platforms and tank. This was right after a tire change. Sounded like rocks hitting front fender, but internal. Now It seems (but i never checked play before) I have been developing a-lot of play in the drive-line and a vibration. If I do a repeated partial dump of the clutch at an idle, in gear, and stopped, I have an loud clunking in the tranny- middle-drive gear area. Also if I have it jacked up, in gear, engine off, and turn the rear wheel forward and back, I get about a third of a turn out of the wheel, and if I turn it harder, I get a clunk either direction. I can feel the torque dampener spring give if i pull after it has stopped. I thought it may have broke, but it seems more like gears.

 

I read about greasing the pins and splines, and I plan to do that, but first I would like to know if this is normal sounds and play in the drive-line. Or could this be normal wear for 26k miles. Also I didn't use the best oil for a while either, I didn't know there was such a difference till I did some reading up on motorcycle oil. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Toby

 

Also this is a great site, I plan to join!

[k9cottage]

it sounds like you have a crook universal in the drive shaft [gearbox end.]

[TobyRSTD]

What do you mean by crook? I have pulled back the boot, and checked the joint, seems tight.

[ACE50]

I've seen bad wheel bearings do that.

[cowpuc]

If this started when you changed a tire I wonder if you picked up something in the gear attached to the wheel.. Maybe something stuck in between the teeth of the gear - sounds crazy but I have seen it happen.. Maybe take it back apart and examine closely that area for debris and signs of contact wear between the gear and the ring gear it meshes into.. Also check to see that all the parts (spacers, washers) are there and in their right places..