Hi all, I have recently removed flywheel on my 2006 999 to replace the sprag clutch. With regards refitting the flywheel the manual states “Flywheel reference mark shall be aligned with the groove on the crankshaft at the keyway”. Before removing the flywheel I noted that it was not in line. I can only guess someone’s been in there previously and misaligned it or it’s been done at the factory, either way the bike has always run perfectly. Can anyone shed light on why it’s meant to be aligned. I always assumed the ignition and injection timing where taken from the engine sensor so the only other thing I can think of is either a balance issue or phasing of the magnets to generator coils to gain peak voltage at a certain point.
Hi Bill, there is a small (ca. 1mm) drilling in the inner flywheel that has to be aligned with the corresponding drilling on the crankshaft for oiling purposes. On my lightened flywheel the drilling is missing, so it might not be that relevant. Andreas
Bill as Andreas has suggested there is an oil bleed which allows a small but pressurized flow of oil through to the starter clutch and needle bearing. That bleed is necessary to 'renew' the oil lubricating the starter clutch and needle bearing hence ensure it functions correctly and reliably. If the flywheel is not aligned the lubrication will be compromised and what oil is in there will gradually become contaminated as it is partially trapped and cannot clean and cool the bearing surfaces as effectively. If it is misaligned it will be a spline or more out so it will be obvious.
Thanks for the info chaps,it all makes sense now.If my flywheel was out of line it explains the premature sprag clutch failure.
