clutch noise question

[glwestcott]

I have a 2001 1100RT with about 80,000 miles on her. She runs and shifts fine and there doesn't seem to be any clutch slipping. After running on the freeway even for just a few miles, I notice that when the clutch lever is pulled back while stopped but still running, there is a louder noise, kind of like a deep bass sewing machine running. If I put her in neutral and let the clutch out, the noise goes away. Problems to be expected soon? Anyone have any thoughts on what the most likely culprit is?

[pfls]

I would look at the clutch throwout bearing.

[GSTom]

I have a '99 R1100RTP with around the same mileage on it as your RT. It makes the same noise you describe after it warms up. Like yours, if I am at a stop light, I can put it in neutral and release the clutch and the noise almost disappears. I asked the local dealer what he thought, and he said it probably was nothing to worry about as far as imminent failure. He suggested that the clutch plate could be warped slightly. His recommendation?.... Continue riding it and see if it worsens.

[PETDOC]

My throw out bearing went on my '04 GS at 31,000 miles. It suddenly started emmiating an intermittent screeching noise when the bike was in gear. In neutral I could immediately stop the noise by pulling the clutch in. So clutch out=intermittent noise, whereas clutch in=no noise.

[glwestcott]

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll do the old ride her and see if things worsen for now. If I get up enough courage, I might pull the throwout bearing and see how it looks, but I wonder if it is more likely the input shaft given the symptoms and some info I pulled up on a search.