Several times when I have parked on an uphill slope, I have experienced a noise that concerns me. I turn the throttle and let out the clutch slowly to go up the hill from a standing start. I here a grinding noise like the clutch is not engaging completely. I have to give it a little more throttle and work the clutch lever to get up enough speed and the noise goes away. No problems on the highway changing gear - runs fine. I am concerned that it may be the rear splines or clutch problems. Anyone had this problem and your assistance is appreciated.

AW yes.... the infomous coffee grinder sound!! Makes it self heard after your bike has sat for awhile or first thing in the morning?? never to be heard from the rest of the day?? most of us here have heard this and have experenced it. Mostly anoying. Do a search on the site for Coffee grinder and you'll see all that comes up!

I'm very familiar with that sound, I hear it everyday when I first start to work.
:doh:

What works for me is this: every morning, as I back out of the garage (in neutral), I give the clutch handle about a half-dozen sqeezes before putting the bike in gear and taking off. Result? No more grinding. :smiley_th

So that is what the coffee grinding noise is all about. Very annoying. I will start squeezing the clutch handle about a dozen times before I take off. I understand this gets the parts lubricated and moving. Thanks.

Are you using Motorcycle rated oil? If not, you need to on our VN's. I had the grinder but switched to Lucas full synth 20-50 M/C oil and no more grinding. Expensive, but worth every penny.

I am using the standard motor oil from the Kawasaki dealer ship. I have considered synthetic motor oil but haven't tried it yet.