I just bought a 1995 Dyna Convertible on Monday. 14000 miles on the clock and it's pretty much all stock except for a set of V&H pipes. After putting some miles on it I am hearing a noise coming from the primary that sounds like a clicking or rattling almost like a diesel. It sounds like it is coming from the left front but sometimes I hear it on the right as well.
It starts to happen at 2200 RPMs and it stops at around 2500 RPMs. I can repeat it over and over by riding in that RPM range or put it in neutral and hold it at 2200 RPM.
I'm guessing its the compensator nut but I have no experience with the Evo motors so its just a guess. Any ideas? Do you think I'm on the right track with the comp nut?

Also, if it is the comp nut can I get a peek at it by opening the inspection cover on the primary? I don't want to pull the outer primary off unless I really have to.

 

Primary chain loose. Just had this issue on mine, could hear it in neutral, bike on side stand, fast idle of around 1500 to 1800 rpms. There is a spot on the inner primary (casting) that comes closest to the chain in the exact area you describe, and when chain is loose, it can kiss that spot. If you remove the outer primary you will see the wear marks. However, chain adjustment can be done without removing the outer primary.

Check the adjustment first, it is the easiest thing to check. Mark the shift lever then remove it. Then remove the four screws (t-27) on that oval cover where the shift shaft is. Then fiddle with the oval cover to get it off. Some penetrating oil on the plastic shift shaft helps. The adjuster is right behind it. When removing the oval cover, you might need a 90 degree pic to pull on the left, then the right, then wobble it off slowly.

The oval cover may be a little difficult to remove if it's been there awhile. Probably a stuck paper gasket, and there is an O-ring that goes over the plastic sleeve that passes thru the inner to outer primary. Might want to have a back up O-ring, and replace the paper gasket with the foamette style. It will make life easier next time.

But anyways, remove that oval cover to get access to the adjuster. I think it's free chain play of 5/8 to 7/8 of an inch cold, but double check your manual.

 

 

This was my next guess and what I was hoping it would be, but at 14000 miles I was thinking it was too soon for slop in the chain. I've adjusted the primary chain on my Twinkies but have no experience with the Evo. It looks and sounds simple enough.

Is there a seal around the shift shaft that needs replaced when I pull the cover off? What about the gasket on the oval inspection cover? Does it need replaced?

 

Probably a paper gasket there now, but replace it with a foamette style. No seal, but does have a O-ring that you might be able to re-use

take a look at an exploded diagram of it first and you will see what I am talking about

 

You can adjust the chain by just pulling the oval cover, not the whole primary cover off.

Somebody Needs a Book. FSM, only, of course, not the clymer's.

 

I see the gasket, #34 in the diagram, but I dont see the O ring you mentioned. Edit- is it #39?

 

Yep, I'm sourcing a manual. I just got the bike Monday night and I'm still shaking it down and checking things out. I haven't had time to do much else with it.

 

If you have mid controls they should pass through the cover (#31), that view looks like it's for a touring model.

 

There is a hole in the center of the oval cover on the fxds. That is where the O-ring goes (for the shifter shaft and plastic housing...trust me).

Take a look at one of the online parts diagrams from ronnies or whatever for the exact diagram of your make and model.