I have an 08 SG, with about 2k miles. Yesterday I started to hear a whine from the transmission when in 5th gear. I know the 5th is straight cut as oppsed to helical for the rest. Is this normal? This noise was not there before. Thanks.

 

08's came with the IDS installed from the factory, which should have helped tremendously with the whine we '07 users had to put up with.

But yes...that whine was "normal" starting with the 07's, which is why the moco introduced the IDS "upgrade" for us, while including it on the 08's from the factory.

Solution: Louder pipes and crank up the tunes. Hey...you have a radio after all, ya know?

 

Louder pipes!

 

my 08 does not whine but it sure sounds like someone taking a hammer to it everytime i shift a gear.

 

Just enjoy the ride. Dont forget it's a Harley and has character.

 

Redline heavy duty shockproof in trans should help

 

This works

 

I recently purchased my 07 Ultra Classic and it definitely has the 5th gear whine,whereas I never noticed it in my 07 Softail Custom. What is this IDS upgrade you mentioned? Is it covered under warranty?
Thanks

 

Change your trans fluid to something like Amsoil Severe Gear or Redline Shockproof. Makes a noticable difference.

As far as the IDS, it's basically a rubber mounted read sprocket modification. The 08's have it stock and it can be added to the 07's if you want to smooth things out. I don't have it. Don't think I really need it.

 

HERE is the link to the IDS on HD's site.

It's not covered under warranty, but it was on the "Elbow Grease" program for a discount on the labor to install it. You can get the IDS itself cheaper from Chicago HD and/or Zanotti's.

I had it installed on my 07 a few months ago and wish I'd done it sooner. The shift between gears is noticeably smoother. No more loud clunking during shifting. I never had the 5th gear whine (not that I could tell anyway...louder pipes + radio ya know =), but the other benefits made it well worth the cost, imho.