I just got this bike in the last month and even with the weather I have managed to put 1000 miles on it.

Well I either just never noticed or something is up but I hear a sound coming from the Final Drive. It doesn't sound rough or grinding but more like I can here the chain turning/spinning. At least that is where it seems it is coming from. And its not effecting how it runs at all.

Is it normal? Like I said I don't remember hearing it before and then last night and this morning I noticed it.

Any in-put or ideas toward it would be appreciated.

 

Check your primary chain tension, drive belt tension, pull off the derby cover and check your oil level in the primary.(while you are in there you may want to just change it because removing the derby cover is 90% of the job) Also, check your clutch hub nut and make sure it is tight. Might be a good time to adjust your clutch while in there as well.

My guess is your primary chain may be loose if you don't have an auto-chain adjuster.

One question: Does the noise go away when you pull in the clutch?

 

No it doesnt, it stays the same. And I assume you mean change the oil while I'm in there correct?

 

Yes, unless it has been changed recently. Might as well if you are taing the derby off. If you have a chain inspection cover look there first.

 

Yeah it was serviced with fresh oil when I bought it, or so I was told. I actually agree I think with your assessment of the drive chain being loose. Like I said I've put 1K on in the last month after it sat on the show room for a while, a quick tighten is perhaps in order.

I've never pulled that cover before though... do I need a new gasket going back on with it?

Also out of curiosity do our dyna's sit on the kick stand to check the oil?

 

Just thought of something else as well... To adjust the chain tension, wont I have to remover the whole cover and not just the derby?

 

I think the "sound" you are hearing has always been there but you're noticing it more than the first time you rode it. The primary belt too loose would make a rattling sound and too tight it sounds like a small "jet roar". You do not have IDS or an automatic tensioner in a 2001 but, if anything, I would check the drive belt tension for 5/16-3/8" deflection, cold, upright and with a rider on it using a tension gauge {HD P/N 35381}. If you want "low tech", you can do a "quick check" by twisting the belt a bit with your fingers: if you can get between 1/4-3/8 a twist on the belt, it is set correctly. If it goes to 1/2 too loose or you can't twist it to 1/4 too tight. A too tight rear belt would make the noise you describe.

 

I'm pretty certain it is the primary that is a little loose. I pulled both covers and inside the small oval where I can see the chain I can fit my fingers in there well and the chain for sure moves more than it seems to me that it should. I couldn't feel or see any belts.

I pulled the Derby and it looks like this inside...


and has plenty of oil and its clean and doesnt smell at all. I turned it over and it is very much pumping oil thru there.

From what I understand the oil for every thing is the same? Engine, Transmission and Final drive?

With all my past bikes I have never worked on them myself and I think its time to, so thank you all very much for your input.

Is there a way to tighten the chain with out pulling the whole cover? It looks like there is a nylon lock nut right in the middle inside the oval whole but I cant tell what it does.

 

OK I just went for it and yes that shiny nylock nut is for the tensioner. I got the chain tightened up a bit and ran it. Its not as prominent but I can still hear it some.

rob is probably right in that I just zoned in on it now. The oil is clean, no kind of debris at all and the chain and sprocket looks great.

And KBF... the hardest part was getting that dam rubber seal back in...lol.

 

my 05 has always made that sound. even after the 5k service with fresh bel-ray oil in the primary and the tension adjusted back to specs. I know what you mean though, once u notice it, it's hard to not notice it. Solution? LOUDER PIPES! lol