79 GL1000 goldwing strange knock noise

[mjb72]

Hi there,

I hope this has not been asked but a search did not produce a simmilar post. I have a 79 Honda gl1000. Im not sure of the actual mileage but I wouldnt doubt its over 100k.

I have a knocking noise that to me would sugjest a rod knock. Here is the curious part of it though. It will always produce this knock when cold and under about 2000 rpm. After it is warmed up and run down the highway for several miles at speed it seems to go away and will idle without the knocking at times. Other times it will knock when I come to a stop but what I find bizzare is that a lot of the time if I give the clutch a little jerk the knocking will stop. This only works once its warm, and especially after a long run.

My first thought is a rod knock but it seems odd that it would go away for any reason. Im pretty good with car engines but Im not so good with bikes so Im hoping someone here might have an opinion. Overall it runs out ok although I doubt it has all the power it once did. Gets about 35 mpg and starts first time every time, dont even have to choke it usually.

Imjust wondering at this point if its going to blow uip or if I should not worry about it. Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks in advance.

Myron

[Fred Camper]

Are the valve clearances adjusted? Seems strange to me too.

[mjb72]

Yes, in fact I just adjusted them a couple weeks ago.

[Fred Camper]

Sounds like maybe a sethoscope is a worthwhile check.

[landisr]

It's possible it is just clutch noise, similar to a worn throwout bearing in cars of long ago. If it's noisy at idle with the clutch lever out, but quiets down when you pull the lever in, that's likely the issue, and nothing to worry about. A repair would not be worth the grief and expensive. Let us know what you find out (stethescope, mechanic's eval, etc).

Ron in MI

[mjb72]

Pulling in the clutch does nothing to stop the noise, what often gets it to stop but not always is while at a stop engaging the clutch with a little bit of a jerk. Kinda like making the bike jerk just a litttle but not actually fully engaging the clutch. This doesnt work untill the bike is well warmed up though.

Thanks for all the replies

Myron

[dingdong]

You may have a timing knock. Check the mechanical timing advance of the points to see if it is binding up. Might just need to be cleaned and lubed.