19-09-13, 11:34 AM
It would be interesting to know how much backlash there is due to the clutch and geartrain, both in the OP's case and those who don't have a problem.
I've a certain amount on mine. It's not particularly noticeable for normal riding, but when conditions are slippery and I'm going slower and trying to ride as smoothly as possible it does make things difficult.
The easiest way to measure the backlash is with the sprocket cover off, bike on the centrestand and in 1st and rock the rear wheel back and forth. By seeing how much the sprocket itself moves any slop due to chain tension/condition and the cush drive can be ignored. My sprocket has almost exactly one tooth's worth of movement, i.e 24ยบ.