95 K1100LT Clunking from rear when bike first moves

[tweather]

When engaging the clutch and bike begins to move for the first time after starting, there is a noticeable clunk from the rear of the bike. After the bike has traveled, even a short distance, this problem does not happen again. The bike did pop out of gear into neutral yesterday, but maybe that was just a bad shift, as I was in a hurry. I haven’t had this bike long so I don’t know maintenance history. Any idea what this might be? I feel like this answer is probably on the forum somewhere, but I haven’t been able to locate it.

[Laitch]

If a Brick transmission is not shifted firmly and with a clutch in good adjustment, it's likely not to stay in gear without a second attempt. You need to go to the shop manual and do a basic clutch adjustment then judge the outcome.

If the clutch hub and transmission input splines need lubrication, false shifts and difficulty downshifting are symptoms.

When a transmission regularly jumps out of gear, the problem could be with the transmission shifting dogs. You need to ride more to determine if this is a repeating failure at one or more gear levels.

[Kaos]

Test it by putting the bike in gear, doesnt matter which one as long its not neutral and roll it back and forth, see if it keeps "clunking."
Also do it with the engine shut off.
It could be a dwarf with a hammer.

[tweather]

Upon hearing it a few more times, it’s more of a “clack-clack.”

But again only happens the first one or two times I start moving and only when the engine is cold.

[Kaos]

Shit man, spline ducks.
Your bike is ruined.

[Kaos]

But. On a more serious note. If its the sound that sounds more like the "clack" from something really sticky releasing. You'll also hear it when clutching [having the clutch engaged] and rolling your motorcycle backwards.
The sound is always 2 ticks or clacks or whatever and after that its fine.
Its also not uncommon to hear.
These sounds usually come from slight movement or play in the driveshaft or final drive splines. As parts like the universal joint, driveshaft splines, or gear teeth settle or shift, they can produce audible clicks.
It could be a sign however thats its time to check the grease on the shaft tho which is worthwhile to spend some time on to check.
Other than that. Not really anything to worry about

[Kaos]

Then on to what Liatch stated, if you bike pops out of gear again -this is a bigger issue if it happens more than once- you could have a bad set/too tight clutch cable which engages the clutch. Having difficulty shifting to gears you'll need to lubricate.

[daveson]

With a helper on the bike (or you if your hearing is worse) try to locate the noise to the engine, gearbox, swing arm, or final drive.

[Scott_]

Being a '95, it will have the ABS2 system. This system does do a "self test" when rolling out that has a 'click-clack' sound to it. It will do this test on the initial roll(above 3mph) after a fresh start, but not again until the next ignition cycle.