2009 AE severe clunking when taking off.

[Lackey]

Hi everyone,

I just received my 2009 FJR1300 AE from a dealer in North Carolina. I'm located in Ontario Canada and specifically wanted the 09 in this color. As soon as I rolled it off the truck, I started it up, let it warm up a bit then tried to take off but I get a terrible clunking until it gets moving. Its like it can't shift into first gear but then finally clicks. This happens for the first 20-30 mins and then gets better but still happens the odd time.

Anyone have any suggestions? Fluid levels seem ok. Its basically a new bike as it only had 100miles on it when I rolled it off the truck. Should I be driving the AE different? I can't imagine it is something I am doing and its a pretty violent sound and shake.

Any help is appreciated. Its under warranty but only in the US. I understand its not transferable to Canada.

Thanks everyone!

 

[03HiYoSilver]

Lackey,

Congrats on your New FJR...and that is a great color.

Sorry to hear about your shifting problem. Perhaps you can find someone in your area with an AE model to compare notes.

Otherwise, perhaps you can take it to a US Dealer and have it looked at while it is still under warranty.

Hope you find a successful solution so you can enjoy this marvelous machine.

 

[Jim Morrison]

yes this is an issue..... the clutch needs to get a 24 hour soak... dealer here is going to take care of it... questions... email me

 

[networkguy]

Grats on the new bike I have a 2009 AE and had the same issue. In fact, several AE owners have. I would suggest doing a search and you'll find mine and others threads.

My dealership first did a clutch soak, but didnt resolve it. They then did a complete clutch replacement, and that fixed MOST of it. This was in the first 1000 miles. Now that it has 4800 miles on it, it rarely, if ever, happens.

 

[mcatrophy]

I read somewhere here that if the clutch hydraulics needs bleeding, that can cause initial severe juddering.

My (7000 mile) one does it after being left for a period (varies between overnight and two days), only does it during that first move from rest, thereafter it's OK.

I'm getting mine serviced in a couple of days, I'll talk to my dealer and see if he'll bleed mine, but they're a bitch to do and he may well not play ball since it'll be impossible to show him the symptoms.

 

[copron]

Mine has to warm up to the point of having 2 bars on the temp gauge before I ever take off. It shuddered some when I first bought it but has smoothed out now (8500 miles), if it shudders violently it probably needs a clutch plate soaking.

 

[Lackey]

Gentlemen, I really appreciate everyones responses! Looks like I have few items to look at.

 

[kleake]

I'll second what everyone else says. My 08 does that when it has set for a while, and only on the first move if it's still cold. It has to do with the clutch plates setting partially in oil while parked and when you start it, they give that chatter feel. Mine isn't severe and if I let it warm a minute or two while I am putting on my helmet, jacket, gloves, etc. it is usually fine by the time I go. I have never soaked my clutch as I never considered it being a big enough issue, especially since it's smooth as silk once warmed a bit.

 

[SkooterG]

It has to do with the clutch plates setting partially in oil while parked and when you start it, they give that chatter feel.

Not quite. Check out the photos in the recent clutch replacement threads. Clutch plates are not sitting in oil at all. So when parked, especially for a while, what oil is on the plates probably drains for the most part. Once the engine is running, oil is splashed on the clutch plates.

Still, this 'first move clunk' seems to be an AE only thing which I don't understand as the normal A model and AE model have the same clutch.

 

[kleake]

I didn't see that clutch replacement thread you are talking about, but what you say makes sense. i just assumed that the clutch was setting in oil due to the way it acts. The only thing I can think of that would cause this on the AE is maybe as the clutch grabs, rpm drops, causing the computer to release the clutch a tad, then rpm comes back up, computer engages clutch, it grabs a tad and the cycle repeats. On a manual clutch, the rider holds it steady as it slips during takeoff. Basically meaning the clutch may be ever so slightly grabbing on both, but the AE computer detects the rpm change and adjusts accordingly, magnifying the issue? I have no idea if that is the case, but it sounds like a reasonable excuse.

 

[ScottyUSN]

New AE's are stiff. Don't be too afraid of the "clunk", you are not alone. The clutch soak is never a bad idea. I believe it's been more than proven many FJR's (A's and AE's) can be subject to dry middle plates from the factory, They do not get properly pre-lubed prior to install. Owners have posted clutch plates after thousands of miles that show signs only outter plates with any real lubrication on metal.

I'm not a believer you need to soak the plates overnight, or even hours. I believe once the plates are cleaned then dipped in oil, you will not get any better penetration. So removal and install can be a single evolution YMMV.

The AE does does like a proper warm up at least 1 bar shown, 2 bars in the summer. If you fire her up and ride immediately you will probably experience some slipping. You've got a warranty so I would suggest you make mention of your concern to your dealer, and just let it ride for awhile. At least thru break in. Comparing with another AE would be ideal.

Added: Here are a few of the Clutch Soak Threads and How To's to give you an idea.

Here and Here