Metal found when doing oil change-bad transmission?

[Laurie]

Hi there-just wondering if anyone can help with a possible bad transmission problem. My husband changed my oil yesterday and found a significant amount of metal-and I had been telling him my bike is making a "whirring" noise when I downshift. Not liking the possibilities-my bike is a 2003 Honda Shadow 750 Ace with over 30,000 miles on it. I hate the thought of having my bike in sick bay-we have such a short riding season here in Maine. Any thought or suggestions as to what it might be? Thanks-Laurie

[sgtslag]

Well, I'd suggest changing the oil and filter, again, after running it for a short time, to flush out any remaining metal bits floating around inside.  Your best bet may be to take it to your mechanic, and ask their opinion as to what to do.  If the whirring noise is constant, and obvious, they may be able to give some diagnosis based on that, and their experience.  If there has been a recall on that bike, they can check, and perform any factory fixes recommended, as well.

If metal is grinding metal to dust, it will get worse, and the particles will cause additional wear on other parts of the engine.  It should be checked out, as this is not normal, as far as I know, for any bike.  Best of luck!  Cheers!

[TOOLS1]

I have to agree with sarg. it is hard to diagnose a problem like this with out actually having the bike, but I would install a magnetic drain plug.
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[Re-run]

If your husband has not tossed the oil already, send it out for oil analysis at some place like blackstone labs. If you can find out what metal it is, the dealer might be able to tell you more.