Clutch Noise Upon Engagement

Hi there-
I have an '08 with 5.1k miles, Leos and Akra map - runs great - no real issues except I get a loud audible chatter / "chuka-ckuka" noise only during clutch engagement from a stop / rolling stop in first gear. There is no actual vibration felt through the bike or driveline and the clutch engages smootly with no chatter etc. I don't lug the motor and it still does it even if I try to slip the clutch more than usual. It is worst when leaving from a stop on an icline. Thoughts? I'm thinking maybe loose clutch hub bolts?

i get this too if riding 2-up, doesn't really happen if i'm by myself...

You may want to check the clutch plate bolts. (Know issue for them to be loose and back out) I dismissed the idea as a fluke for someone else, until I heard an a awful noise coming from the motor which I felt through the clutch. Pulled the cover and one of the bolt had backed out and was rubbing against the cover.

Do I have to drain the oil before pulling the clutch cover? Obviously our clutches are "wet" so my question is will oil drain / leak everywhere when pulling the clutch cover?

No need for that. Just put the bike on it's sidestand. No oil will come out.