Clutch making noise when I put into gear... Please help!

vespamiami · Post by **vespamiami** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:41 am

My engine makes a "bang"noise and my scooter jumps forward a little bit when I put the engine into gear. It feels like I am not pulling the clutch all the way in and I am forcing the it into gear.

I have tried to adjust the clutch cable by unscrewing the adjusting bolt to increase the tension. It helped a lot and I reached the point when it was smooth when I put the engine into gear while the engine was running. However the problem is that I can't kick start the engine at this position. When I try to kick start it it it feels like the clutch is pulled half in and the engine doesn't start. I had to screw the adjusting bolt somewhat back in to make sure that I can kick start the scooter.

What should I do?

Thanks so much!

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 2:15 am

GD is not the best forum in which to post your question, as GD is populated mostly by modern twisties. A better forum would be either the Stella forum here, or even the Not So Modern forum over at the sister station, Modern Vespa.

But hang around, one of the regulars might just come along and prove me wrong!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 2:33 am

It sounds like the clutch cable is a little too tight. Before when it would "bang" into first with the clutch pulled in would it try to creep forward?

Remember the LML transmission is a very primitive design...a lot of them will sound like they are tearing themselves apart when shifting.

vespamiami · Post by **vespamiami** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 2:33 am

Syd wrote:GD is not the best forum in which to post your question, as GD is populated mostly by modern twisties. A better forum would be either the Stella forum here, or even the Not So Modern forum over at the sister station, Modern Vespa.

But hang around, one of the regulars might just come along and prove me wrong!

Thanks so much!

vespamiami · Post by **vespamiami** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 2:39 am

BuddyRaton wrote:
Remember the LML transmission is a very primitive design...a lot of them will sound like they are tearing themselves apart when shifting.

I see! I have had only modern bikes and scooters and all of them shifted smoothly. Do you think I have to get used to the reality of the 1950s and 1960s...???

vespamiami · Post by **vespamiami** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 2:42 am

BuddyRaton wrote:It sounds like the clutch cable is a little too tight. Before when it would "bang" into first with the clutch pulled in would it try to creep forward?

I have to force it into one. It jumps a little bit and it clicks. It fells like I want to force it into gear one without pulling the clutch lever...

JohnKiniston · Post by **JohnKiniston** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 6:23 am

vespamiami wrote: I see! I have had only modern bikes and scooters and all of them shifted smoothly. Do you think I have to get used to the reality of the 1950s and 1960s...???

Like a Bajaj or a Symba? What other modern shifty did you have?

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 9:06 am

If you are comparing it to a modern motorcycle, ya it's clunky and sloppy. You'll get used to it. You might wanna adjust the cables (think shift linkage). The better the adjustment, the better it shifts.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 12:49 pm

Sounds like you might be OK.

Before adjustment, once in first would it try to creep forward?

There are no syncros in this transmission. Really what is happening is when you twist the shifter it slides the cruciform to select a gear. If you are stopped things might not be all lined up.

If you are having a hard time try rocking the scooter back and forth a little as you shift into first at a stop. It's gonna clunk..it's gonna sound bad until you get used to it.

That's the nature of vintage