Motorcycle Repair: clutch chatter noise, honda shadow ace, clutch plates

Question
Hi Mark,

I have a 2002 honda shadow ace with 7000km.  When I start the bike in neutral, and then place it in 1st the bike feels like it want to slightly nudge forward for a second only.  When I start in with the clutch in and in 1st it also wants to slightly nudge forward for a split second.  Also, when the bike is in neutral and I engage the clutch there is a chatter sound coming from the transmission/clutch plates.  Is that normal?

Thanks, Vas

Answer
Hi Vas,

Believe it or not, it's normal.

Sounds cannot be diagnosed by this medium, though I suspect the sounds you're hearing are normal, too.

There's lots of rotating parts inside the engine that may cause a variety of sounds that are normal with normal operation.

If the sounds worry you, have a local tech give a listen. Shouldn't charge anything just to listen for a sec. Buy the tech a pop.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively