Knocking at start up, goes away after bike warms up (2003)

Clutch rattle is just one of those things that happens as the engine ages. I think a lot of it comes from the hub damper which is a shock absorber bult into the clutch. The springs there can get a bit slack and that can be a source of noise. It is not harmful, and some bikes do it more than others. As I commented above, the rattle will be made worse if the idle is unsteady due to unbalanced starter valves. I'm about to change out the clutch fibre discs on my 82000km 2009 and will see if that makes a difference but I'm not concerned either way.

 

Thank you. Let me know how it goes please. Some say that a certain type of engine oil can make this noise go away which I find it hard to believe. I am currently using shell advance full synthetic 10w 40. I have heard of people trying motul 5100 10w 50 semi synthetic and the noise goes away. Can I ask what oil you use and your knowledge of this? I don’t remember hearing the noise before I changed the oil but at the same time that was 6 months ago.
Many thanks for you help and expertise.
Shane

 

Help I've got, and experience, but no actual expertise.

I put 10W-40 into my 09 but I'm not sure it is any specific brand; it was a blend of leftovers from a number of oil changes where I bought 4L but didn't use it all.

Do not disregard my advice about a decent starter valve balance; it may be all you need and won't take long to do if you have the tool.

 

I completed my clutch plate installation on Sunday; whilst I was in there it was apparent that the front camchain was not really tensioned well, so I fitted a new tensioner for that. The new parts have quietened the motor down substantially, and the clutch action has gone from sudden to progressive.