Old newbie with question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 20, 2022 | 07:33 AM

ADKRider

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2021

Posts: 57

Likes: 27

From: Foothills of the Adirondacks

Old newbie with question

Greetings from the foothills of the Adirondacks!. I have a 2021 114 Heritage that fits just fine. I'm very happy with the quality of the ride as well as responsiveness. But there is this repetitious rubbing noise, maybe somewhere from the belt area/ rear end, that is distracting at best and particularly annoying. It isn't too bad when the bike is first used for the day or when things are wet, but it gets louder as a ride progresses. The Harley shop has tried everything they can think of. They ultimately contacted Harley support and were told that this condition occurs with some softails and there is no danger or fix associated with this condition. So the noise continues. I've had quite a few Harleys but have never had this situation or type of response from the factory. I don't want to take my bike to an independent shop, as it is still under warranty. Has anyone on the forum had this noise problem? Thank you.

Jan 20, 2022 | 08:34 AM

708encore

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 122

Likes: 71

From: Indiana

Check the tension of the belt, they come pretty tight from the factory. I run mine on the loose end of tolerance and it cured my noise issue.

Jan 20, 2022 | 12:22 PM

ADKRider

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2021

Posts: 57

Likes: 27

From: Foothills of the Adirondacks

Thanks Cruiser. It's good to hear there was an easy fix for yours. They loosened mine due to the noise when I first purchased the bike. We'll see if loosening it more can do it.

Jan 20, 2022 | 12:43 PM

Las Vegas Jim

Road Captain

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 614

Likes: 231

From: Hendeson, NV

The noise is NOT normal and I wouldn't accept the answers you have been given from your dealer or HD. I have two suggestions for you.
1. Buy a belt tension measurement tool and check the belt tension yourself. The tool costs less than $10 on Amazon and is easy to use. I have about 15k miles on my 2019 M8 Softail and check my belt tension about once a month after a ride when the belt is still at operating temperature.

2. Not all HD service departments and mechanics are equal! I had a couple of problems on my 2019 that the dealer said were "normal". Took the bike to another dealer that identified the problems and fixed them. Your warranty marries you to an HD service department but not to a specific dealer.

Jan 20, 2022 | 02:59 PM

sevebou63

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 321

Likes: 85

From: Maine

I had a noise similar to yours that ended up being the belt tension as well and that was on my roadglide. It was bugging the **** out of me and I was looking all over the bike trying to find the noise. They are blowing smoke. It's not a softail issue. It is a belt tension issue. My dealer knew what it was immediately. I felt stupid for not checking that in the first place since I do most work on my bikes and I should have checked the tension. Agree with others here, don't except there answer. I bought the belt tension tool after this happened and have checked tension myself on all my future bikes. Not to get off topic but......I have mentioned this in other threads to check torque on your spark plugs if it's a new bike. I found on my last two new bikes the spark plugs were barely tightened. Almost hand tightened. Trust but verify.

Jan 20, 2022 | 04:44 PM

sandrooney

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 762

Likes: 264

From: Timnath, CO.

Belt tension and or alignment. My 18 Heritage made that noise, I adjusted the belt and aligned the wheel. Adjust it to 5/8 inch at at the tightest spot in the belt and do it with the bike in the upright position with only the weight of itself on the wheel. The loose end of the spec in the manual is 9/16 and it says to adjust it on the side stand, believe me that won't do it. At least it didn't on mine. Adjust it cold.