ATV doesn't have many hours. Unit making some clicking noises at the clutch shifting cable area on left side. I jacked the back of the unit up and put in first gear. The wheels were turning when I had the clutch in and I had adjusted the clutch cable to take up slack at the hand clutch. While the wheels are turning, the wheels sort of "hitch" up and pause for a split second. Any suggestions on what this could be? Is this more of a clutch issue or an tranny issue? Any help would be appreciated.

 

sounds like a chain issue to me. too much slop or too tight of a chain can cause some strange things. seth 03

 

Thanks. I will tighten up the chain and see what happens. It is always the simple things that get you!
What about the clutch engagement? The wheels turn even with the clutch in and I took all the slack out at the cable at the handle? Anything else to stop this from happening?

 

with the wheeles in the air they will always turn even with the clutch engaged(keep in mind they will only turn a little bit) you should be able to stop this by hand.it is a wet clutch and this is normal.the chain should have about 1 inch of play up and down at the mid point between the front and rear sprokets. I hope this helps. I strongly suggest getting a manual . Seth 03

 

I adjusted the chain just to make sure. Still doing the same thing.
Now that you mention the wet clutch, makes sense for wheels to turn.

I have a manual for the 2003 model (which I think the machine hasn't changed a whole lot).

I experimented a litte with the clutch and only held it half-way in to see if the "hitching" stopped and it did. Then when I let the clutch all the way out it started doing it again. I guess what I am going to do is take off the clutch cover and look inside. Any suggestions when I get the cover off and how hard is the cover removal?

 

Mine's always had that hitch when I run it with the wheels up. Doesn't matter if my chain is perfect and sprockets are new. Kind of freaked me out at first but it's been 3 years and nothing's exploded.
How prominent is this "clicking" noise? Might be nothing.....

 

The noise is not real loud, but like you, the hitch makes the engine hesitate for a second and it makes me think something isn't good? Talked with MC mechanic for Suzukis and he thought it could possibly be the clutch plates, basket and some other item worn out in the clutch system. I inquired about why this happened with low hours on the unit and he said it depends on how hard you ride it. My son is 17 yrs old and he does think our front yard of 6 acres is the Indy 500! All kidding aside, SPIZE, yours has done this for 3 yrs? Did you have it looked at or talk with an CM Mech about it? Thanks

 

if I block the rear end up and run it in gear it jumps and hitches. Something to do with the chain......not the clutch. I have had my clutch out and it is fine. I ride the crap out of my quad and no issues with clutch...ever.
Did the same thing with the new chain(s) on. I don't know what or why but it ain't hurting my quad........don't know that yours is doing the same as mine though.