First off, welcome to the forum from Oregon.

Believe it or not, based on the info' you've provided the transmission would be the last place I'd be looking at this point...as I can't think of one person who has trashed a transmission in a VL1500 LC. But more info' on the bike would be helpful in narrowing down where to start looking...like

- How long you've owned it?
- Did this noise just start?
- What oil (brand, weight, type, etc.) are running in the bike?
- Any clutch slippage?
- When where the wheel bearings last changed?
- When was the last time you changed or checked the final drive oil?

24k miles is nothing on the VL1500's...they are high mileage bikes. It would be seriously odd if it was actually radiating from transmission as generally like the motors, they are pretty bulletproof. Albeit it's not uncommon for the star gear (partof the linkage) to need some work or experience a broken clutch spring. Knocking could actually be from several points, including the the normal loosening of the riveted rear rotor. I think if it were truly as you say I'd be pulling the rear wheel and have wheel bearings changed if you haven't or don't know when they were done. Right about 20k-25k is when they should be done on that bike...both wheels. There are other possibilities too, but narrowing it down by answering the questions above would be really helpful.

By the way, I know a guy with verified 257k miles on his original LC motor & transmission, and many others with well over 100k...all of them still running strong. I've yet to hear of anyone losing a transmission (yet). Same with the motor (including bottom end or chain tensioner). I have heard many who have run the wrong oils causing all kinds of problems with the clutch, etc. (all of it fixable). The hard part is identifying where the noise is truly coming from.

Larry

 

Hey bgj the submission above is spot on so why don't you answer the questions asked so those in the know can try and assist you?

 

Either he figured it out and didn't bother to post the resolution or he is just a one hit wonder that doesn't want to be part of the community.:shock:

 

Alright guys for all of those who have been viewing this: I found it and it wasn't what I thought . Let start from the beginning. My friend had bought this bike online in an auction.When he first received it he serviced the bike. He then went on two good rides, hearing the noise I had talked about, which was light at first. He thought this was a normal noise that these transmissions made. On the last ride home he noticed the noise went from light to heavy and by the time he had came by here it had gotten to the extreme of making a knocking noise, and clunking sound. I checked the rear end, drive line and the clutch and not really finding nothing. I figured that I would just clean the clutches back up to reassemble. That is when I found it: The gear on the back of the clutch that drives the oil pump was put in backwards. I can see how that would take a engine out not working the oil pump correctly, but not causing it to make the noises that I was hearing. I cleaned and reassembled, took this bike out for a test ride and all that I hear now is the winding of the gears and clunks as you change gears...nothing else. I am assuming that whom ever the bike was purchased from had the clutch worked on sometime or another thus placing the darn gear in backwards. Thought I would just let many of you that replied that the bike was running fine other than the gear whine which we all know is normal for these model .

 

That is when I found it: The gear on the back of the clutch that drives the oil pump was put in backwards. I can see how that would take a engine out not working the oil pump correctly, but not causing it to make the noises that I was hearing. I cleaned and reassembled, took this bike out for a test ride and all that I hear now is the winding of the gears and clunks as you change gears...nothing else. I am assuming that whom ever the bike was purchased from had the clutch worked on sometime or another thus placing the darn gear in backwards. Thought I would just let many of you that replied that the bike was running fine other than the gear whine which we all know is normal for these model .

All I can say is "wow." Never would I have thought to have you check such a thing...mostly because I've never heard that ever happening before? Guess there is a first for everything. LOL

I'm sure he's feeling pretty lucky to have you helping him...and a lesson for all of us on auction buys. The LC is a terrific bike and one he can own and ride for a very long time without allot of expense. That is, unless someone pulls a bonehead move like that! Good job in finding and fixing the problem.

Larry

 

:welcomes: back. Glad you were able to get it fixed. Post a pic of your ride. We like pix.:bluethum: