Drivetrain play

[waynehere]

I just bought a 2004 last year and really didn't get to ride it until this year. While I love the bike, I have noticed that there is some play in the drivetrain when I both slowdown and accelerate. You can feel and hear it almost bang.

I also had to change tires on it this summer and when I was breaking and tightening the lugs on the rear tire, the whole tire/hub would rotate after what I would consider the normal play in any wheel hub, probably an additional 3-4" on the outer tire. I am not sure where to start looking, in the shaft and or clutch, or further up the line or how to even troubleshoot this. The bike only has 30K miles on it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[WingAdmin]

3-4 inches is way too much driveline lash. My main suspect would be the U-joint, as it generally is the weakest link in the driveline chain.

[waynehere]

Thanks. I will look into it...

[Techdude2000]

Check the shaft itself as well, there's a rubber coupling that is moulded in between the inner and outer sleeves. If it's deteriorating you will likely find rubber scrap pieces inside the swing arm when you pull the rear drive unit off.

[waynehere]

Thanks. I was waiting till the cold got here before I started tearing it apart. I was hoping to find a problem before I got too far into the drive train.... Of course first I have to clear a spot in my garage so I can squeeze the bike and 2 cars as the cold weather approaches.

I will pet you know what I find...