Himalayan: Squeaking Noise When Letting Out Clutch into 1st Gear

[sean_jewell]

Hi all,

First time poster looking for some diagnostic help.

I have a 2021 Himalayan with 3800 miles on it. About 100 miles ago a noise started occurring when I let out the clutch & throttle into 1st gear from a dead stop. It sounds like a rubbery slipping squeak/whine that last only last a second or 2 at most. This noise has been occurring more frequent over time.

The most recent time it happened my digital display stopped reporting what gear I was in. The bike still goes through the gears fine, but the digital display shows a dash symbol ( - ) in stead of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

Does anyone have any input or has experience with this issue. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Here is bike, BTW!

 

[puttbutt]

Hello, every once in a while, I have the same issue, except that I don't hear anything because I have ear plugs in, my helmet on, and I'm riding. I just shift, and gear # shows up. I don't notice anything different in the bike's shifting. Sorry I can't provide an answer to this issue.

 

[Pressureangle]

My gut instinct is to check your clutch release bearing. If it's dry or failing it may squeak or squeal while transitioning between full load and unloaded.

 

[dabs]

Check clutch cable adjustment, they are known to need adjustment from factory, maybe it has'nt been checked !? and check chain also.

 

[Andy131]

Gear indicator only works in neutral - been documented before.
Select first, disconnect the battery, wait a couple of minutes, re-connect the battery turn on the ignition then select neutral.
lost gear indicator

Forgot to mention - you may now have to re-calibrate the compass

 

[Great_White_Buffs]

I had the same issue on my 2021 but along with the noise, there was also noticeable slip/catching. After a lot of back and forth with the dealer and RENA, I was able to have them replace the clutch pack under warranty and it stopped the issue. I would go that route soon as your 2-year warranty may be coming to end.

 

[Pavel ze Znojma]

@sean_jewell:
Did you solve the noise?

I have the exact same squeaking problem. There was a screeching sound for 1 second when moving into first gear. Then I drove about 200 km and it was quiet.
Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[JimboDevon]

Yep, mine does it often when starting from cold - a screeching sound, a bit of judder, and a not very smooth pull away.
I sometimes think I can stop it happening by pulling the clutch in and out a few times before pulling away, but inconclusive. It only ever does it once at the start of the journey.

 

[tom_d]

Mine made a sound like a goose honk early in its life when cold during its first clutch engagement of the day. It quit doing it long ago on mine.

A battery disconnect for a few moments and reconnect will reset the gear position system and it will work correctly again.

 

[Roy Gavin]

Same as Tom d, goose honk once or twice early in its life, but went away and hasn't happened since.

 

[Laserman]

Mine does that screech lightly once or twice when cold if I have too much RPM when taking off. My clutch is very grabby when cold, I occasionally overcompensate.

Never hear it once things are at operating temp. I suspect the screech is a glazed clutch, a few brisk takeoffs may help.

 

[REHima]

mine does the clutch noise but only for the first few minutes, once its warmed up a little it stops.

 

[Pavel ze Znojma]

6000 km was without creaking. Have you disassembled the clutch and looked at its condition? It doesn't slip me, it works well. If it wasn't for that squeak, I don't know about her.

 

[Paul68]

Thank goodness it's not just me!
Mine squeals first thing in the morning and sometimes in the evening when I set off home.

 

[grymsr]

Banshee in the engine?

 

[Dool2]

My second Himalayan made the noise, I replaced the clutch pack.
Same noise on a friend's bike was rectified with a new clutch.
I assumed it was from over slipping the clutch.

 

[Roy Gavin]

When I first heard the noise I thought the worst, and ordered in a new clutch pack and springs.
But it hasn't happened since, and clutch is still OK 60,000 km later , and I have a spare clutch if anyone in Oz needs one at a good price!
And my 2017 bike has the early soft plates, they were improved later!
FWIW I never slip the clutch apart from at take off, as IMHO fiber clutch plates aren't really meant to be slipped any other time.