2007 Tranny problem!
Login  | |
|
2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 10:08:38 AM
|
|
|
CT_Duke
Posts: 31
Joined: 8/3/2006
Status: offline
|
I picked up my new 2007 Classic Ultra on Tuesday (8/1). Rode it home (about
22 miles) and went right back to dealer. 5th gear sounds like a bucket
of bolts. Mechanics took it out and agreed, Harley told them to change
the Trany fluid to a heavier grade and tell me to ride it for a while
and it would get better. I have over 300 miles on it now and it is
getting worse. A tech tip stated that 1st and 5th gears are ground
differently and generate noise. I found that 1st gear whines like mad
and 5th not only whines but clatters. My buddy was 2 car lengths in
front of me and could hear it over his bike. After 300 miles I now
have a clatter in 6th as well.
When I stopped at the dealer today there was another 2007 Ultra in for
service with the same problem! Also 1 day old! I also posted this on the Google group for HD and got mixed results. 1 guy had no problems with 1000 miles on the bike and another said he had the whining but it went away after 60mph. I also found out that another dealer in the area has a customer with the exact same problem.
Anyone else having this problem? If so what is your dealer telling you.
Ron
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 12:28:04 PM
|
|
|
biggerjose
Posts: 28
Joined: 8/1/2006
Status: offline
|
Duke;
The 6 speed has to run through an extra shaft. It is not turning at a 1 to 1 when in top gear. The people that sell you this stuff never warn you about what is about to come. Once they get your money it's "Get outta' here buddie" The older 4 speeds don't make that whinning sound and most 5 speeds are pretty quiet. You better off re-gearing your bike and forgetting the over drive. If you know someone that has a quiet 6 speed, please let me know. The best thing that I can suggest is to put straight pipes on it or build a bigger engine so you can stay out in front of all your buddies and far enough so they cant hear it. Jozer
_____________________________
Builder and inventor of belt drive systems for Harley Davidson and Gilroy Indian. Fixxer of Squealing Rear Wheel pulleys and specializing in early Harley Davidson Chain to Belt Conversions 35 years in the business...
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 12:50:27 PM
|
|
|
Dancemax
Posts: 201
Joined: 7/12/2006
Status: offline
|
O' My god, I dont believe this. I was thinking of buying a 6 gear machine. i will wait till the smoke clears...Max
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 12:56:11 PM
|
|
|
sleepneagle
Posts: 3269
Joined: 5/24/2006
Status: offline
|
I did the 6 gear set into 5 case and have no problems.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 1:05:52 PM
|
|
|
biggerjose
Posts: 28
Joined: 8/1/2006
Status: offline
|
Sleep;
Whoz transmission do you have? I would really like to know..Jozer
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 2:10:43 PM
|
|
|
CT_Duke
Posts: 31
Joined: 8/3/2006
Status: offline
|
Whatever is stock on the Ultra. I just got back from the dealer. They've spent some time on the phone with Harley and it has become an issue across the country and seems to be restricted to the Ultra. They said they are "working on it". Time will tell.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 5:41:57 PM
|
|
|
WhiteKnuckle
Posts: 205
Joined: 7/28/2006
Status: offline
|
My Ultra is noisy, too, in 5th and 6th. Not terrible, but noisy. I took the bike back to the dealer the second day I had it, one of the techs rode it and said, "Yep, it's kinda noisy, but go ahead and break it in, change the fluid to synthetic at 1000 and we'll see..." That's what I'm doing, I've got 500 miles on it now. It's maybe a little quieter than it was new, but it's still too noisy in my opinion.
A few factors - If you ride with no helmet or a shorty, it's a lot more obvious. If you're used to a non-fairing bike with loud pipes, ditto (I got off a Low Rider with Short Shots, I dunno what the tranny sounded like on that). If you run the rpm real low in 6th, double ditto - and that's easy to do, the bike has to be going 70 before you get at least 2400 rpm in 6th.
I think Harley is going to have to do something about it, though, the tranny is just too noisy on the highway - which is kind of a crime against nature when you're talking about an Ultra Classic. I love the bike, but I can say without hestation that Harley's going to have to fix this.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 5:52:03 PM
|
|
|
WhiteKnuckle
Posts: 205
Joined: 7/28/2006
Status: offline
|
It occurs to me that this problem may be more obvious in Ultras because they have fairing lowers that might focus the noise more upward, toward the rider. I'm sure all the transmissions are the same, there's no reason I can think of that the Ultras would actually be noisier - maybe it's more that the noise is focused where the rider is.
If I was a real energetic guy, I'd run out there and take the lowers off and see if it changes the noise. But I'm not that energetic - or that worried about it.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 6:32:27 PM
|
|
|
biggerjose
Posts: 28
Joined: 8/1/2006
Status: offline
|
What's a FAIRING? Jozer
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/3/2006 10:29:31 PM
|
|
|
WhiteKnuckle
Posts: 205
Joined: 7/28/2006
Status: offline
|
Just for fun, I took the lowers off my '07 Ultra (took maybe 15 minutes) and took it for a ride. Without the lowers, the tranny isn't significantly louder than my '04 Low Rider. I can hear quite a bit of whirring in 5th, but it's not objectionable; almost all of the rattling is gone. 6th is plenty quiet. If I had aftermarket pipes on the bike, I don't think you could hear it at all - and that's with a shorty helmet.
Lots cooler, too. But I forgot how much wind your legs get without the lowers. Overall, I'm going to run the lowers if I go > 200 miles at a time and in the winter, but leave 'em off in the summer.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/5/2006 10:25:37 AM
|
|
|
1FLTRI4ME
Posts: 2510
Joined: 4/10/2006
From: Hollister,California.
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: CT_Duke Harley told them to change
the Trany fluid to a heavier grade and tell me to ride it for a while
and it would get better.
Ron
Aren't the new 6-speeds suppose to use a specific oil?
I know how to quite it down,change oil to 140 wt. with a speicial additive called sawdust!
Hope they find a fix.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/5/2006 6:18:18 PM
|
|
|
wlbowers
Posts: 2150
Joined: 12/14/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: biggerjose
Duke;
The 6 speed has to run through an extra shaft. It is not turning at a 1 to 1 when in top gear. The people that sell you this stuff never warn you about what is about to come. Once they get your money it's "Get outta' here buddie" The older 4 speeds don't make that whinning sound and most 5 speeds are pretty quiet. You better off re-gearing your bike and forgetting the over drive. If you know someone that has a quiet 6 speed, please let me know. The best thing that I can suggest is to put straight pipes on it or build a bigger engine so you can stay out in front of all your buddies and far enough so they cant hear it. Jozer
Yea Me!
I have a 06 Low Rider and don't have any outrageous whine. Never had except for the 500 miles I tried to run Syn 3. I LOVE MY 6 SPEED.
_____________________________
Lee
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/5/2006 8:26:27 PM
|
|
|
One_Screamin_Eagle
Posts: 866
Joined: 7/1/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: biggerjose
Duke;
The 6 speed has to run through an extra shaft. It is not turning at a 1 to 1 when in top gear. The people that sell you this stuff never warn you about what is about to come. Once they get your money it's "Get outta' here buddie" The older 4 speeds don't make that whinning sound and most 5 speeds are pretty quiet. You better off re-gearing your bike and forgetting the over drive. If you know someone that has a quiet 6 speed, please let me know. The best thing that I can suggest is to put straight pipes on it or build a bigger engine so you can stay out in front of all your buddies and far enough so they cant hear it. Jozer
Harleys OE six speed is a 1-1 in 6th. It is not an overdrive and only has an input and output shaft. The P&A Screamin Eagle 6 sped is an overdrive.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/5/2006 8:37:11 PM
|
|
|
PoleCat
Posts: 592
Joined: 5/9/2006
From: Kemmerer, WY
Status: offline
|
I can't say I'm terribly surprised . . .
Disappointed? . . . yes.
_____________________________
Never Forget . . .
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/5/2006 9:05:11 PM
|
|
|
WhiteKnuckle
Posts: 205
Joined: 7/28/2006
Status: offline
|
Don't sweat it. There's nothing wrong, the lowers just reflect all the noise. On any bike but the Ultra, you probably wouldn't give it a second thought; with an Ultra, take off the lowers and the noise pretty much goes away. Or put on aftermarket pipes and you won't hear it.
I remember a lot of people complaining about a clunky transmission on Heritage Classics - but if you took the windshield off, the clunk went away. The problem wasn't the tranny, it was just a sound that resonated through the windshield.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/5/2006 9:21:27 PM
|
|
|
RockyRoad
Posts: 41
Joined: 1/11/2006
Status: offline
|
These bikes are thoroughly tested and engineered. Don't be afraid to ride them right out of the box. We'll stand behind them if there is a problem.
JB.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/5/2006 10:43:56 PM
|
|
|
GOBB
Posts: 49
Joined: 8/5/2006
Status: offline
|
I just bought a 07 Road King and the trans was so noisy in 5th that I didn't dare drive it back to the dealer. It sounded like it was trying to run in two gears at the same time.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/6/2006 12:33:06 AM
|
|
|
biggerjose
Posts: 28
Joined: 8/1/2006
Status: offline
|
I'll B Dog Gone..
I was unaware that it didn't have the extra shaft..I ride older stuff (58 Pan/Shovel) and tried a 5 speed for about a week and didn't care for it..To me they too were Clunky. Took it out and re-installed the 4 speed with a 2.60 1st gear as the only reason I tried the 5 speed was for the lower 1st gear.....(Way toooo much shiftin') (I have a 32 X 61 rear belt which is 1.90 to 1 and 80MPH is a fast idle.)What I did was gear the crap out of the final drive to get the fast cruise as I spend very little time in any gear but top gear. With a Stroker Pan/Shovel it has plenty as soon as you get rolling but the 4 speed that I originally had had a 2.44 to 1 1st. gear. I didn't mean to speak out of turn and as I get older I learn more each day. (I'm 68) You might think I'm nutz but I have been thinking about a 3 speed.
What I really like about my old Piece is that I know every single nut and bolt on it..It has only seen a motorcycle shop twice in the last 30 years..(With only 2 truck rides..Has broken on me but it was all my fault. Too small of a carb for the Stroker and had to do a over-night fix in Salt Lake City. But I rode it even in critical condition from Mesquite Nevada) and has in excess of 275.000 miles on it..Blew a Head gasket in Hollister {For the 50th} and got a tow from the camground to town and fixed it at the curb in 1 hour..Still gives even the 95"Twin Cam's a fit..So much fun to ride..Looks like crap but goez like hell. Jozer
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/6/2006 1:18:35 PM
|
|
|
HotRod
Posts: 52
Joined: 8/6/2006
Status: offline
|
I just picked up my '07 Deluxe Friday night. I immediatly noticed a whining noise in 5th gear. Every other gear sounds fine though. I'm going to take her out today with and without the windshield and see if that makes any difference. I now have 250 miles on it and the noise is still there. I'm taking it back to the dealership on Monday. Hopefully it's nothing that will require them to keep my bike forever! I'll let ya'll know if I get any "breaking news" from them.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/13/2006 8:15:46 PM
|
|
|
Broken Leg Rider
Posts: 825
Joined: 7/24/2006
From: New Orleans
Status: offline
|
Yea. And if I took my front forks off, they wouldn't clack either.
I am looking here at hundreds of posts complaining about "problem with my Harley." It really makes me wonder.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/14/2006 9:56:41 PM
|
|
|
Travler
Posts: 65
Joined: 8/10/2006
Status: offline
|
Reckon it's a good thing I can't hear good. I've got a 07 Standard & really like the six speed. I don't hear all these noises or whining. You want to hear a whining tranny... ride a Royal Star Venture! Hope y'all get it worked out to your satifaction..
Travler 
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/15/2006 5:18:46 AM
|
|
|
Capt.Bob
Posts: 340
Joined: 7/17/2006
Status: offline
|
I got the same problem on my 07 Ultra. Everybody seems to think you will have to live with it. I don't think I will. Mine has 328 miles on it and it seems to be getting worse or I am more tuned in to it. Whatever the case. It is not satifactory the way it is now. I don't want to take the lowers off so I can't hear it. That is one of the reasons I bought the Ultra was for the lowers. I ride no matter what the weather is and that means cold or hot, rain or shine and the lowers help in that regard. I also think the lowers help with engine cooling. Mine is going back to the dealer and they can keep it till they fix it. If they can't then they can sell it. I have a bike that is not so offensive to ride. JMHO
http://bobbyhill.home.att.net
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/15/2006 11:36:47 AM
|
|
|
kv4eg
Posts: 25
Joined: 8/15/2006
Status: offline
|
...I just bought an '07 Road King Standard - 5th gear sounds like someone playing "Wipeout" on the case with a couple of hammers. Dealer is supposed to pick it up today and check it out. I also called Harley customer service - (414) 343-4056. The girl I talked to played dumb until I mentioned that a lot of people on the net are complaining about the same problem, at which time she promptly changed her tune to "it's supposed to sound like that". Maybe if enough people complain the so-called "Motor Company" will do something about it.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/15/2006 5:47:20 PM
|
|
|
Capt.Bob
Posts: 340
Joined: 7/17/2006
Status: offline
|
I could not stand it any longer. I loaded my 07 FF Ultra on a trailer and took it to the dealer. I told him about the noise in 5th gear and a loud bang every time I started the bike. He let a tech take it for a ride and the tech said he had never heard a noise like it. He said there was something not right. They told me the loud bang was normal and not to worry about it. They keeped my bike and said they would find out what was wrong with 5th gear. I told them that if they said that that noise was normal to just put the bike on the floor for sale. I told them to keep it as long as it takes. I have two other bikes I can ride. We will see.
http://bobbyhill.home.att.net
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/15/2006 10:23:09 PM
|
|
|
HotRod
Posts: 52
Joined: 8/6/2006
Status: offline
|
Let me know what they find out. Mine hasn't gotten any worse and I have just over 700 miles on it. Hopefully after I get my 1k it'll quite down a little. I haven't noticed any loud noise when I start it. I'll be interested to hear what they find wrong with it!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/16/2006 1:24:46 AM
|
|
|
CT_Duke
Posts: 31
Joined: 8/3/2006
Status: offline
|
Been watching the remarks to my posting. Lots of mixed opinions! only the Touring models have the tranny noise problem. Other models like the softtails have the B engine (check the specs) and there is some difference in the trannies as well. I've gotten emails from others who have Road Kings with the same problem and we are not talking just a whine. I'll be damned if I will remove parts or change pipes to cover up a noise (I would do it if that is what I want but not to satisfy HD). That is like turning your car's stereo full blast and removing the windshield just to mask a noise, I don't think so!! Besides it becomes a matter of principle. One guy wrote me that the dealer agreed to take back his ultra with 1000 miles and let him pick another bike. I have 500 with no improvement and will be talking to the dealer and HD this week to do the same. there is always the Lemon Laws to fall back on. I bought this because I've always had Harleys and will alway have one, just not this one.
Hey Rocky Road,
You said "These bikes are thoroughly tested and engineered. Don't be afraid to ride them right out of the box. We'll stand behind them if there is a problem." Are you a dealer or HD? This is not a dealer issue, it belongs solidly in HD's lap. As I understand it they posted a Tech Tip to dealers about the problem BEFORE the 07's were released for sale. I would say they need to stand up face the problem that is snowballing in their direction!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/16/2006 9:01:11 PM
|
|
|
kv4eg
Posts: 25
Joined: 8/15/2006
Status: offline
|
What about the clattering / rattling in 5th gear on the touring models? Could that be related to the fact that the transmission is mated to a rubber mounted engine instead of one with a balanced crankshaft? It seems to me that the power transfer to the transmission via the primary would not be as smooth as from the "B" engine and that 5th gear - being a straight / spur gear - well, you get the picture.
quote:
ORIGINAL: Shovelhead Bob
Capt.Bob and CT_Duke, That "Bang" that you are referring to is called "Starter Knock", and is is inherent to the requirement of the ECM to get the motor up to speed and running quickly.... The sound you are hearing is the compensator loading and unloading rather quickly.... More noticeable on the Touring bikes, as the Primary is designed a bit closer than the Softails/Dynas.....
Additionally, CT.... Why don't you tell me the Tech Tip number, 'cause as far back as I can tell or go, there is no such "Advice" or recommendation about the tranny whine..... That is a design characteristic that is inherent to Straight cut/Spur gears, and there are NO differences in the Softail transmission as compared to the Dyna or Touring Transmission internals......
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/16/2006 10:56:21 PM
|
|
|
Hackd
Posts: 1338
Joined: 10/7/2005
From: Canton, Michigan
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: kv4eg
Maybe if enough people complain the so-called "Motor Company" will do something about it.
Yeah...If frogs had wings they wouldn't bump their ass......
Don't hold your breath....I've got thirteen years worth of MoCo stories....And I'm certain there are many that can trump me.
_____________________________
In the end...It's all Hack."
______________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/16/2006 11:17:50 PM
|
|
|
Shovelhead Bob
Posts: 2003
Joined: 4/2/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: kv4eg
What about the clattering / rattling in 5th gear on the touring models? Could that be related to the fact that the transmission is mated to a rubber mounted engine instead of one with a balanced crankshaft? It seems to me that the power transfer to the transmission via the primary would not be as smooth as from the "B" engine and that 5th gear - being a straight / spur gear - well, you get the picture.
There are 3 rubber "Isolators" to hinder vibration to the chassis (1 front, 2 at swingarm), and 2 alloy stabilizer links that are firmly attached to motor/chassis (Front and top of motor)
On the "B" models, you will hear the counterbalancers over the 1st and 5th gear whine.....
Take out the counter balancers and you will hear it definitively, along with picking up your fillings, entrails and whatever else gets rattled loose......
You hear it on all of the Cruise Drive transmissions...... Softail, Dyna (Rubber Mounted) and of course the Touring.....
The Touring is more pronounced due to chassis configuration, more compacted primary housing and Body Harmonics......
Hell, on the 06's and back, you could hear 1st and 4th whining, but people just got used to it .....
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/17/2006 8:13:07 AM
|
|
|
kv4eg
Posts: 25
Joined: 8/15/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Shovelhead Bob
quote:
ORIGINAL: kv4eg
What about the clattering / rattling in 5th gear on the touring models? Could that be related to the fact that the transmission is mated to a rubber mounted engine instead of one with a balanced crankshaft? It seems to me that the power transfer to the transmission via the primary would not be as smooth as from the "B" engine and that 5th gear - being a straight / spur gear - well, you get the picture.
There are 3 rubber "Isolators" to hinder vibration to the chassis (1 front, 2 at swingarm), and 2 alloy stabilizer links that are firmly attached to motor/chassis (Front and top of motor)
On the "B" models, you will hear the counterbalancers over the 1st and 5th gear whine.....
Take out the counter balancers and you will hear it definitively, along with picking up your fillings, entrails and whatever else gets rattled loose......
You hear it on all of the Cruise Drive transmissions...... Softail, Dyna (Rubber Mounted) and of course the Touring.....
The Touring is more pronounced due to chassis configuration, more compacted primary housing and Body Harmonics......
Hell, on the 06's and back, you could hear 1st and 4th whining, but people just got used to it .....
Well, the point I was making is that a rubber-mounted non-B engine vibrates more than a B engine - although it is effectively isolated from the frame by virtue of being rubber mounted, this vibration could still be making it's way to the transmission via the primary. Besides, the noise I'm experiencing is not a "whine" but more of a clattering / rattling sound in 5th that starts to diminish as I get close to around 60 mph.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/17/2006 9:20:36 AM
|
|
|
msocko3
Posts: 390
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: NE Ohio
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: kv4eg
Well, the point I was making is that a rubber-mounted non-B engine vibrates more than a B engine - although it is effectively isolated from the frame by virtue of being rubber mounted, this vibration could still be making it's way to the transmission via the primary. Besides, the noise I'm experiencing is not a "whine" but more of a clattering / rattling sound in 5th that starts to diminish as I get close to around 60 mph.
The 07 Ultra I road did the exact same thing, sounded like rocks in the trans while in 5th gear. Sound pretty much went away when I hit 55-60 mph. For the life of me I can't understand why the MoCo would put together something that sounded like it was getting ready to blow. The bike was nice, the 96" engine seemed to pull pretty decent down load and the 6th gear on the freeway made the ride smooth as silk. The 2 biggest faults I found was at traffic lights it cooked both the right and left inner thighs vs the pre 07's only cooking the right inner thigh, and the 5th gear noise.
_____________________________
Power By Head-Quarters
Life's to short to drink cheap whiskey, fondle sweat hogs, and buy cheap tools.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2007 Tranny problem! - 8/17/2006 12:29:58 PM
|
|
|
kv4eg
Posts: 25
Joined: 8/15/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: msocko3
The 07 Ultra I road did the exact same thing, sounded like rocks in the trans while in 5th gear. Sound pretty much went away when I hit 55-60 mph. For the life of me I can't understand why the MoCo would put together something that sounded like it was getting ready to blow. The bike was nice, the 96" engine seemed to pull pretty decent down load and the 6th gear on the freeway made the ride smooth as silk. The 2 biggest faults I found was at traffic lights it cooked both the right and left inner thighs vs the pre 07's only cooking the right inner thigh, and the 5th gear noise.
Thank-you - for knowing EXACTLY what I've been talking about! I sure hope HD gets the message. I can live with the heat, I can live with a whine, but for me this "rocks in the tranny" sound is just the worst sound imaginable on a brand new $20k+ motorcycle. HARLEY - ARE YOU LISTENING?
|
|
| | |
Printable Version
