Anybody experience this?
2001 Softail Heritage
17,000 miles started making a churning noise from the front somewhere. Listened with a rubber tube to my ear, can't pinpoint it. Does it whether it is moving or not. My best description is it sounds like a butter churn. It not a screech or grinding sound, more of a whirr or churning. Doesn't seem to be affected by engine speed. Notice it more while at float at about 40mph, or at idle. Maybe coming from the clutch or tranny? Plenty of power, shifts fine, clutch works fine. I know, "famous last words" Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Does it go away when you pull in the clutch?

 

No, but the noise starts when the bike starts moving after first start up then continues.

 

I wanted to update you all on the noise. Turns out it was the compensating sprocket inside the primary case. Whoever worked on it last either didn't use lock-tite or didn't torque it to 150-165 ft lbs. Either way the nut was only finger tight. Problem solved!
If you are doing this work yourself, buy or borrow a "Primary Drive Locking Tool" HD part #41214. You cannot rely on using the rear brake, and/or holding the rear tire stationary to properly torque this all important nut.