Clutch pulsates when taking off from a standstill

[Easyrider4]

I just bought a 2017 with only 1200 miles on it.  It was too cold to test ride but I figured it is almost new so what can be wrong.  Trailered it home 5 hours then rolled it off.  Started it up and let it warm a few minutes then went to drive it into the heated garage.  When letting out the clutch slowly it pulsates as it moves forward thus making the bike kind of jerk forward along with the slow pulsation. So I took it for a ride and when above 3500 rpms in any gear the engine/tranny makes a “wa wa wa” repeated sound going down the road. At first I thought it was tire noise but when I pulled in the clutch the sound stopped.  I fired it up again today and it still does it.  Any experiences?

[Saddle Tramp]

Have you checked the fluid level in the reservoir on the left handlebar to make sure it is not over or under-filled? Does the lever as adjusted allow adequate free play in the clutch for proper engagement?

[Easyrider4]

Yes and yes.  Dealer is perplexed but I don’t think they rode it.  It was traded in.  Everything else on the bike is fine.  I have owned 58 motorcycles over the past 48 years of riding so I know when a clutch isn’t engaging smoothly.   

[Saddle Tramp]

Sorry if my implication was that you didn't know what you were doing. It surely wasn't my intention. I was just hoping to eliminate the easy solutions. It is easy now to second guess not having test ridden a used motorcycle, but it doesn't change the facts. A novice rider can destroy a clutch in very little time.

My advice would be to approach the Seller and work out a plan for getting your new purchase repaired. They should accept some responsibility for selling the Trophy in that condition.

[Easyrider4]

No offense taken.  I appreciate any questions and in fact that was the first thing I checked.  I should have ridden it before loading.  But it was 30 deg in near downtown Chicago and I made the error of assuming a bike with such low miles, advertised as “runs and rides like new
“ would actually do that.  I never stop learning.  I wish it wasn’t a twelve hour round trip to have them check it.

[Saddle Tramp]

I understand fully, but I suspect that returning it to where you purchased it might be your most cost-effective solution. A phone call to them is definitely worth the time...

[digital]

It could be that the circuit needs to be purged.

[Coconut]

I had this on my 2017 Trophy during the first few hundred miles.

Returned to the Dealer who were prepared to change out the complete Clutch under Warranty
but on investigation and consultation with Triumph, they dismantled the Clutch Basket,
rotated some of the Friction plates ( I think they said by 180 degrees and possibly every other Plate )
then re assembled it, saying if I was not happy they would continue to replace the complete clutch.

The judder was completely eliminated and has been as smooth as silk ever since.

If I remember correctly I think the Dealer explained it as being something to do with the Bike
having been left standing for a considerable time, and oil soaking into only a portion of the friction plates.

Sorry I don't have any more details of precisely what they did,
but it may be worth your Dealer ( or yourself ) enquiring of Triumph about this.

email : after.sales@triumph.co.uk

If you are competent enough to service the Clutch yourself ( access to the official Service Manual
is recommended ) note that there are 9 Friction plates in total.  The Outer and Inner Plates differ from
the 7 intermediate Friction Plates, and also from each other and MUST be refitted in the same place.

The Friction plates should be cleaned, their thickness checked against specifications
and then coated in clean engine oil before reassembly.

It would probably also be worthwhile carrying out an Engine Oil & Oil Filter change.

Cheers