Clutch Problem? (2003R1)

Hi guys... managed to take my R1 out today for the first big-ish run to work and back... anyway, when I pulled up at work I knocked it into neutral at the security gate, waited for the gate to open, and then knocked it into first, and it made a loud clunk.... I thought nothing of it, but as I pulled into the space as I was turning with the clutch floating at the biting point I heard a knocking/tapping sound that sounded like it was coming from the front lower area of the bike.... I reversed back and went for a bit of a slow ride around the car park and it only seemed to do it when turning and at slow speeds with the clutch hovering over the biting point... now, as I haven't ridden it much at all before today, I am not sure whether it has always done it, or whether the clunk sound was part of the problem... I have a warranty on it with my dealer as I only just bought it from them... its done 2800 miles. any ideas? cheers for any input

Phil, You need to be a bit generous with the throttle. If you have ridden Hondas they dont need alot of throttle to get the clutch going, and smooth. I found with the Yamaha clutches they are not as smooth and like a little more throttle. The Yamaha clutch is very solid. I have ridden the shit out of mine. The tranny is clunky but dont fear....its solid I ride 99% in the city so what you get happens frequently in stop and go. Add more throttle then let us know how that goes mate :thumbup dd

Not suggesting there isn't a problem but a horrible clunk from neutral to first is normal especially when the oil is warmer. Mine doesn't do it cold but does when warm. I prefer to stop in first with the clutch in.

cheers for the replies guys.... This being my first Yamaha, and first 1000cc I guess its all new to me. It worried me that its quite a significant and noticeable sound, and not just a sensation... stood on the pavement it would be easy to hear it happen. I wasn't giving the throttle much at teh time though as I was pulling into the driveway, just giving it enough to get onto the drive..

Synthetic will quite the clunking down. You have to be generous again when modulating the clutch.... hahaha I posted the same shit when I got my R1.... "Guys my shit is messed up??!" I trust yours isnt. Enjoy the bike Phil... the R1 is an amazing bike, any year.

:stpd: syn does quiet it down!

so have others had the same thing? Obviously at such low mileage I expect nothing to have gone, but is this typical of other peoples experieences with the 02-03's? It just seems really wrong for it to be normal, if you understand me :confused: I needed to clutch in completely or give it more throttle in order to stop it, but as it only happened when turning in it felt like maybe the clutch cable was catching somewhere on the forks?

yep normal mines does if u dont give enuff throttle as stated above.

I came from a 99r1 to a 02r1 and both did this same thing (same basic engine) switch to synthetic and you will be happier have fun

cheers for the replies guys... :bow just rode into work today and had an experiment to see exactly when it does it and it also does it when I travel in a straight line as well as turning with the clutch hovering... it just sounds like its undecided whether the engine should be engaged or disengaged and sounds like the chain is tapping against the gears... the fact its so noticeable is what worried me. if its supposed to do that then cool, I just don't want to find its not and my warranty to have expired with the dealer..

For peace of mind get the dealer to check it out as the bike is warrantied.

Turn up your idle screw... this is the cheap mans slipper clutch.