R18 Classic - Drive Train Slop

[clivescott]

Does anyone else think there is quite a bit of drivetrain slop to the lower gears on the R18 or is it just me? Compared to other bikes I find it a challenge to keep it smooth in 1st and 2nd gear in stop and go traffic. traffic .

 

[Black Dog]

To what other motorcycles are you comparing the R18?

 

[clivescott]

To what other motorcycles are you comparing the R18?

Yamaha RD400, Suz GSX 1100, Kawasaki Z1

 

[Black Dog]

Coming from a chain drive or a belt drive to the drive shaft takes a little getting used to.
With the driveshaft the mechanical backlash is more distinct and noticeable.
Just the nature of the beast.

 

[clivescott]

Coming from a chain drive or a belt drive to the drive shaft takes a little getting used to.
With the driveshaft the mechanical backlash is more distinct and noticeable.
Just the nature of the beast.

Thanks - that makes perfect sense.

 

[Desert Rat]

Try riding in Rain mode when in town, it seems to help the backlash.

 

[Black Dog]

Try riding in Rain mode when in town, it seems to help the backlash.

The backlash is due to mechanical clearances, different riding modes does not effect it.
If you believe in ghosts then things that go bump in the night...

 

[clivescott]

The backlash is due to mechanical clearances, different riding modes does not effect it.
If you believe in ghosts then things that go bump in the night...

Maybe the reduced engine braking in Rain mode helps to smooth things out.

 

[Desert Rat]

My thoughts exactly the reduced braking in rain mode seems to make a difference.

Not sure about ghosts in the night comment .....

 

[R2K]

i Concur with Desert Rat and clivescott rain mode would inherently make the backlash less noticeable

 

[David R]

It’s not as bad as some I have driven.
David

 

[theMucker]

Drive train lash is just the combined "slack" or "clearance" between all meshing components from crankshaft to rear wheel and when power is applied or shut down that clearance is closed-up. Typically, chain drive machines have the most slack because chain wear and the required adjusted-in slack in the chain adds significantly more lash than drive shaft machines have. We usually don't notice drive train lash on deceleration because the reverse torque applied on backing off the throttle is small. However, applying throttle, especially abruptly, can result in a sudden "lurch" as power forcibly takes up the slack.

 

[Black Dog]

Drive train lash is just the combined "slack" or "clearance" between all meshing components from crankshaft to rear wheel and when power is applied or shut down that clearance is closed-up. Typically, chain drive machines have the most slack because chain wear and the required adjusted-in slack in the chain adds significantly more lash than drive shaft machines have. We usually don't notice drive train lash on deceleration because the reverse torque applied on backing off the throttle is small. However, applying throttle, especially abruptly, can result in a sudden "lurch" as power forcibly takes up the slack.

Yada Yada Yada
My horses say hello.

 

[theMucker]

Yada Yada Yada
My horses say hello.