During the initial breakin period, when everything is new, the chain adjuster shoe will wear quickly to a certain point. After that, it will wear very little, and won't need adjusting very often. Maybe it's never been adjusted since new?

 

That's possible I suppose. Makes sense. I'm hoping to get a look at it this weekend sometime.

 

Make sure you check alignment of the chain... Less than .030" is the goal.. And it really shouldn't be noisy.. I set chain tension to 1/2"- 5/8".. never any issues..

 

How’s the chain alignment done?

 

Measure from the outside of the chain to the face of the inner primary where the gasket mates to... Measure at both points at the clutch basket and the compensator and shim the compensator as necessary to get it within that .030..

 

Your bike is about to explode. Let me buy it from you!

Put it on a stand or something so the bike sits level after you remove that primary chain inspection cover. Take a look at the oil level and make sure the chain is in it. Then take a look at the slider (at the chain adjuster) and make sure it doesn't have heavy wear grooves on it. Check the primary chain slack to make sure it's in spec. In my opinion a little loose is much better than a little tight. There is a tool you can buy to check it from HD. I don't think it's expensive but I made one anyway. If all that doesn't fix the noise and you're pretty sure its still coming from the primary, you'll have to pull it off.

carl

 

Mine rattled when I brought it home with 14,xxx miles. It was the chain adjuster. The screws that hold the adjuster to the inner primary had loosened up.

 

I plan to take a look in the primary this weekend. On a side note I rode to work today and now I'm not so sure its coming from the primary. At times it sounds like its coming from the right side. Maybe an exhaust clamp or something?
I think I need to spend an evening just going over the bike and checking things out. The PO stored the bike really well but I think he only took it out for short rides a couple times a year. Now that I am running it regularly the vibration is loosening things up?

 

Red loctite is your friend here...

 

Yes. Most definitely