Clutch Problem???

[targetdude]

I have a 2005 ST that has 18,000 miles on it. When the engine is cold and I start letting the clutch out in 1st gear, a grinding/squealing noise comes from the left side of the bike. The first time it did it I thought I had gotten some oil on my tire and it was spinning... Unfortunately, that's not the case. Oh yeah, the bike went out of warrenty last month :-(
Any ideas what the problem could be?
Thanks!

[oldndumb]

After checking the adjustments, you are going to be left with the usual suspects: bearings, lifter arm, basket nut, etc. Before taking the cover off or leaving it at the dealer, have someone verify that the noise is actually coming from the clutch. You can do this using a small hose as a listening device or even a steel rod. Think of a poor boy's stethoscope. Noise transfer on these machines can fool you.
Can you duplicate the noise by letting the clutch in and out while in neutral?

[targetdude]

I'm having problems narrowing the problem down because it doesn't happen every time, and it usually doesn't happen until I've been riding a couple of minutes. Once the bike is fully warmed up, it doesn't happen again. I hate these ghost in the machine type problems...

[TheNomad]

Someone posted that some nut that holds things together in the clutch basket was not tightened at the factory. Sorry I can't be more specific. It was one of hundreds of posts I have read. Add this to your list of suspects and maybe the original poster will chime in soon...

MD

[ricster]

That was airrider03 oldndumb. He and I went riding last week and he told me that it was a non-torqued bolt inside the clutch assembly. You can pm him...hes a great guy..he will tell you the fix.

Ricster

[triumphite]

Targetdude,

I know exactly what you are talking about!!! Mine does it to. Same squeeling sound. Just as you let out the clutch.