Working on a 2000 800 Drifter that had little maintanence done in its life. It has a clunk in the final drive. Not rythmic , more interrmittent. 26,000 miles, chain has tight spots ,so I'm starting with chain and sprocket replacement. But it will clunk when your rolling at 10 mph and crack the throttle. Can someone explain the role of the dampners in the rear hub. Can they make noise ? thanks.
The "cush drive" in the rear wheel is supposed to dampen noise and shock to the drive line. They can and do get loose and cause problems like you are experiencing.
Thanks Troll, how are they checked for wear?
I imagine the simple examination of the rubber would be enough, but if there is any noticeable free play in the rear sprocket carrier to the wheel, it would be a good indicator. I just put a new rear tire on my W-650, which has essentially the same cush drive. I had to lubricate the blades on the carrier in order to get them back in the hub.
I"d be surprised if that was the noise. 26k isn"t crazy high mileage, even with a lax maintenance schedule. They look like they should, not deteriorated, or in pieces.
I suggest tht you also check the engine mounts.