Clutch chatter - Drive line back lash : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

Marauder · 12-03-2007, 03:02 PM

Has anyone experienced clutch chatter while taking off from a dead start under normal operating conditions, 1'st gear take off? I am also experiencing what seem to be some sort of drive line lash between 1 to 2, 2 to 3 , however this may be resonating through, and associated with with the clutch symptom. I read the manual that comes with the bike, and it could be air in the system and just needs to be bled. I crashed my first C14 non ABS 3 weeks after buying it, and I didn't experience these problems with that bike. My new ABS C14 currently has under 300 miles on it.
This bike truly is great, and I am glad to have a ABS model now,but I am worried about these issues.

Thanks

gtr14greg · 12-03-2007, 08:13 PM

you sure it doesn't say "DUCATI" on the tank?

ReaperWales · 12-04-2007, 01:49 AM

If it were a Ducati it would not be clutch chatter, more like a bag of spanners in a washing machine

Hitman · 12-04-2007, 07:44 AM

Get it through the first service and oil changes and see if it improves then. May just be the type of running in oil used.

the mask · 12-15-2007, 01:19 AM

I experienced a similar fault with the Gtr and the main dealers seamed to be unable to offer any help or assistance in this problem. I thought it was possibly air in the clutch system as we don't know how long these bikes are in storage before delivered to us. I changed the clutch fluid and it was exactly the same. It then dawned on me I had the first service done by the dealers at 600 miles (warranty requirement ) and they also told me it needed oil and filter change at 1500 miles.I questioned this as the book says 4000 miles and speaking to other people and dealers knew nothing about this. For the price of oil and filter I had it done.
This is when the problem arose and should have realised it sooner.I experienced the same symptoms as the previous member and tried everything not realising it came around the same time as the oil and filter.I changed the oil again myself for semi synthetic motorcycle oil and the clutch is now fine.Maybe the wrong oil or cheep stuff by the dealer was used the previous time,I don't know but it certainly worked for me.
For the price of oil and filter I think you should change them. If it doesn't work It can only do the engine some good after all.
Please note I can only speak of my own personal circumstances and does not mean this will rectify the fault so there is no guarantee this is the fault with yours. Worth a try though all the same.Get back to me as I would be interested if it is the same fault.

Marauder · 12-18-2007, 07:10 PM

Thanks for the info. I will try that and get back to you.