Low speed whine?
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
Low speed whine?
Curious if others have noticed a low speed whine that seems to come from the main drive belt.
I've noticed it before, but haven't really experimented to give a complete description of when it occurs, but I seem to notice it when I'm coasting to a stop with the clutch pulled in or with the trans in neutral, sort of a wah-wha-wha sound.
I mentioned this to the HD dealer when she had her recent 1000 mile first service and they said they adjusted the drive belt and checked the alignment.
Sounds like it's coming from the drive belt to me, and even my passenger mentioned it without me prompting. Applying front or rear brake doesn't impact the sound. Definitely related to wheel speed.
Anybody else? Any ideas?
I've noticed it before, but haven't really experimented to give a complete description of when it occurs, but I seem to notice it when I'm coasting to a stop with the clutch pulled in or with the trans in neutral, sort of a wah-wha-wha sound.
I mentioned this to the HD dealer when she had her recent 1000 mile first service and they said they adjusted the drive belt and checked the alignment.
Sounds like it's coming from the drive belt to me, and even my passenger mentioned it without me prompting. Applying front or rear brake doesn't impact the sound. Definitely related to wheel speed.
Anybody else? Any ideas?
Last edited by AJ88V; May 27, 2019 at 09:22 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 195
From: Ohio
Curious if others have noticed a low speed whine that seems to come from the main drive belt.
I've noticed it before, but haven't really experimented to give a complete description of when it occurs, but I seem to notice it when I'm coasting to a stop with the clutch pulled in or with the trans in neutral, sort of a wah-wha-wha sound.
I mentioned this to the HD dealer when she had her recent 1000 mile first service and they said they adjusted the drive belt and checked the alignment.
Sounds like it's coming from the drive belt to me, and even my passenger mentioned it without me prompting. Applying front or rear brake doesn't impact the sound. Definitely related to wheel speed.
Anybody else? Any ideas?
I've noticed it before, but haven't really experimented to give a complete description of when it occurs, but I seem to notice it when I'm coasting to a stop with the clutch pulled in or with the trans in neutral, sort of a wah-wha-wha sound.
I mentioned this to the HD dealer when she had her recent 1000 mile first service and they said they adjusted the drive belt and checked the alignment.
Sounds like it's coming from the drive belt to me, and even my passenger mentioned it without me prompting. Applying front or rear brake doesn't impact the sound. Definitely related to wheel speed.
Anybody else? Any ideas?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 3,421
Likes: 726
From: Tiffin,Oh
Speaking of noises, I know all the m8s must do it (cuz ya can hear it on all the YouTube vids), it takes some getting used to that whiney whistle type sound they make? Idk much about engines, but it sounds like it's from the valvetrain. Any you guys know what ime talking about?
Lol, no baffles would probably fix it. Lol...
Lol, no baffles would probably fix it. Lol...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 3,421
Likes: 726
From: Tiffin,Oh
Are you referring to "my" remark? If so, that's prolly it. It happens with the engine running even sitting still. They all do it. Glad to find out what it is! Thanx!
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 297
From: NoVa
Definitely not related to engine speed in my case, Pretty sure I can tell the counterbalancer whine which goes right along with RPM and only noticeable at light throttle before it's drowned out by other sounds.
This makes sense. It's a bit like an over-tightened drive chain on a bike that has one.
I'll check the belt tension on mine, although I figured that was one thing that was checked at the 1000 mile service. (now at about 1300 miles on the clock)
This makes sense. It's a bit like an over-tightened drive chain on a bike that has one.
I'll check the belt tension on mine, although I figured that was one thing that was checked at the 1000 mile service. (now at about 1300 miles on the clock)
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 195
From: Ohio
Definitely not related to engine speed in my case, Pretty sure I can tell the counterbalancer whine which goes right along with RPM and only noticeable at light throttle before it's drowned out by other sounds.
This makes sense. It's a bit like an over-tightened drive chain on a bike that has one.
I'll check the belt tension on mine, although I figured that was one thing that was checked at the 1000 mile service. (now at about 1300 miles on the clock)
This makes sense. It's a bit like an over-tightened drive chain on a bike that has one.
I'll check the belt tension on mine, although I figured that was one thing that was checked at the 1000 mile service. (now at about 1300 miles on the clock)
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 40
Likes: 28
From: Western WA/Hawaii/Florida
I have the same sound in exactly the same situation. My bike has a couple hundred miles on it.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 140
Likes: 87
From: England
I had the same sound, mentioned it at the 1000 mile service. Nothing done.
Took it back in a week later, belt was too tight, slackened off and all is now well.
At least I know which "technician" to avoid next time!
Took it back in a week later, belt was too tight, slackened off and all is now well.
At least I know which "technician" to avoid next time!