I just picked up my 09 RG and in 5th gear its got a whining noise thats not noticeable in any other gear? Is this common, its only got 300 miles on is so far. It almost sounds like the gears are meshing too tightly in 5th but no experience with HD's before.

 

5th gear is a different cut, I think it is callled a heli cut. It is a square cut if I remeber correctly. It will be a little louder than you are use to.

 

4th gear on 5 speeds and 5th gear on 6 speeds make the same noise. They are straight cut gears and do whine a little. Redline Heavy Shochproof will cure it. If you listen real close 1st gear whines also, its a stright cut gear too!

 

Welcome to the whiney 5th gear club...
Ride Safe

 

Mine does it. 10,000km. It's normal.

 

You know it's kind of weird because before I picked up my new bike I heard others tell of the 5th gear whine. But you know what? I don't hear it. I notice no difference between the gears and my hearing is fine. Of course, I ride most of the time with the stereo on but not all the time and I even listened for the 5th gear whine and don't seem to notice any difference.

Of course, I'm married for 27 years now so maybe I'm just conditioned to automatically block out the whining.

 

The sound is normal as explained above. Enjoy your new ride!!

 

That noise is normal. If you want to get ride of it there is something simple you can do. Go to this link and buy the V-Twin Transmission Oil with ShockProof. It is by far the best oil for HD transmissions. I also buy the powerpak that includes motor, primary, and trans oil.

Redline Oil

How many people feel the same way?

Steve

 

You know, my '08 used to whine more in 5th gear than it does now. So, I guess it might go away with time. I still hear it, but it's not as loud.

Then again, it might be the Rush slip on mufflers are louder than I thought and have damaged my hearing.

 

Just turned 1K on mine and the whine is much less than it was during the
first few hundred miles.