How many miles on the clutch and is it properly adjusted?  How do you use it, a lot, a little, hard on it?

Could be anything from a simple adjustment to a complete rebuild.  Start with the adjustment first and see what you get. St.

Mileage?

While in the clutch area I'm sure you'll take a good look at the transmission input shaft splines as well as the friction disc spines. Shaft spines failed on a friend's /5 with no noise prior to failure and lots of ratcheting/grinding noise and no forward movement when it failed. Suspect previous owner never bothered to moly those splines or they wouldn't have failed.

Also check friction disc thickness vs spec. 

IIRC its usually recommended to replace the whole 3 piece clutch pack if the friction disc is worn beyond spec.

Be aware that a rattling noise when the bike is idling in neutral with the clutch lever released is completely normal. 

The bike has 83K miles on it. I have not been in the clutch for many years. I suspect it desperately needs lubrication. Other that, it functions fine. The drive shaft boot is worn, so that will be replcaed.

Mr. Williams,

James Strickland offers very wise advice. A cold transmission is, or should be, very quiet. The 80-90wt gear oil adds a lot of viscous drag that prevents any rattle or clatter, clutch lever in or out, when cold. A fully warmed up transmission will clatter with the lever out, but be silent with lever pulled in. I suspect this clatter is more noticeable with a late model bike like yours, or mine ('95 R100RT), than the early airheads with the heavier flywheel. This is an easy check to make, before you dig into that clutch, especially so early in the riding season. A quick peak into the clutch would allow you to grease those transmission input shaft splines.

Andy Murphy

1995 R100RT

ABC# 15601