Clutch Noise

[Tv]

G'day All, When my ike bruns from cold I can pull the clutch lever in and out without hearing any difference in noise, however, after a long ride and the machine is hot the clutch makes a ratta-da-tatt noise when I let go of the clutch and the bike is in neutral.

Does this mean the clutch plate is in need of attention?  It doesnt slip. There is a sort of clunk when I'm setting off in 1st and the bike needs to work a bit (like when the missus is on the back) but that seems to be coming from the the rear drive - like it's trying to grip, slips a bit, then drops into cog.

Any clues before I start hacking into it - thanks

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

First of all, thanks for putting your model & year in your signature line so we know what we are dealing with!

A similar sounding issue just came up on Boxerworks.  It sounds like it may be your throw-out bearing assembly.  
Read this thread: http://www.boxerworks.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2001

He's in Australia too!

[nhmaf]

Also, remember that a certain amount of gearbox rattle is 'normal' on these bikes when the engine is running and the gearbox is in neutral.  If it comes and goes at will and isn't too definite a pattern to it, it could be random gearbox noise - mine will do this when it gets pretty hot.   But, it could also be as Rob suggests and be the throwout bearing/piston assembly, especially if you haven't serviced it in a while.

Does the sound speed up if you slightly increase the engine RPMs while leaving the clutch lever out and the gearbox in neutral?

[Tv]

Great news - Thanks for the tips and links. Now for the workshop manual.