Tranny Sounds / Fluid

[sh00ter]

Hey all --

well after having put some miles on the bike; i'm curious about couple things -maybe the collective wisdom can shed some light on..

The transmission shifts well (no false neutrals ) but it is well .. kinda loud at low speeds, like ka-chunk in the first couple gears and back down (can't tell after that b/c of wind)  is that normal?  I did change the tranny fluid, looked OK, some sludge around the drain plug mag, but no major shavings

2nd Question - i still cannot figure out how to measure the tranny fluid, dip-stick wise.  it seems no matter what I try or when (hot or cold) it doesn't register fluid on the dipstick.  It's not leaking out that I can see - any tried & true ways of measuring it / or if it's not leaking -just let that dog lie?

thank you all ...

[Inge K.]

And what do you use as a dipstick?

Inge K.

[sh00ter]

And what do you use as a dipstick?

Inge K.

Well i've tried the wrench in the tool kit with the curve and a longish screwdriver.  I'd just like to find what is actually required in terms of length, device before i just jam more "stuff" down there :)   I imagine I could build one with a coat hanger or some thing if I knew the dimensions

[mystic red]

How much fluid did you put in. That's a 1100RS, right? You might add that to your signature so we know for sure what bike you are talking about.
Are you using the L-shaped dip stick? it should show towards the bottom.

[Inge K.]

As Mystic Red says, it should be L-shaped flat bar in your tool set.

Inge K.

[Scott_]

I don't think he has that in his tool rool.
I remember Duck giving him the dimensions in another thread for the L-shaped dip stick.

[Inge K.]

Measured from the filler plug gasket surface: low level 126mm, high level 116mm.

Inge K.

[sh00ter]

Measured from the filler plug gasket surface: low level 126mm, high level 116mm.

Inge K.

Thank you, yep i found that (brain deteriorating).   What about the sound?  Is it normal to be a little clunky-ish?

[sh00ter]

I don't think he has that in his tool rool.
I remember Duck giving him the dimensions in another thread for the L-shaped dip stick.

Yes - Thanks; sorry for the dupe, losing my mind a bit it would seem  ... :loco: :loco:

[Scott_]

About the sound, well, check your fluid level 1st, but each bike, (like a woman) is different in how it feels and sounds.
I have 2 LT's, 2 yrs apart, and they are different each in their own special way.
Neither one shifts quietly, but they do shift smoothly.
Pre-loading the shift can help sometimes, or not.
The weight of the oil can make a difference. I think the spec's call for 80-90W(or real close) but I have heard of some using a 80-140W oil in the trans. Some have added a graphite mix to the oils for better lubrication. Less friction = less heat.

[Inge K.]

Reported in forums on this side of the pond, that our gearboxes appreciates Redline 75W90 NS Gear Oil
and Motul 300 Gear Oil 75W/90.

Which both should give very smooth gearbox behaviour........in Scandinavian climate.


Inge K.

[sh00ter]

each bike, (like a woman) is different in how it feels and sounds.  Less friction = less heat.

Now it all makes sense  :hehehe :hehehe

Seriously, thanks for putting my mind at ease, just rode today and I think it's just us getting used to each other.