Getting Frustrated!!!
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Getting Frustrated!!!
Well, just got the Heritage back from the dealer after the 1000 mile maintenance. Actually had 1500 miles before bringing it in. Told them about the rubbing sound coming from the rear and that another dealer close to home fixed it at 500 miles by adjusting the drive belt. It went away and came back at 900 miles.
This dealer (the one where I bought the bike from) also adjusted the belt. The rubbing noise is back within the first 50 miles after picking it up.
The noise is always there but is most noticible when coasting at low speeds like when you have engaged the clutch before coming to a stop. That is when the motor is idling and the sound can be heard. It is a periodic sound that matches the speed of the wheel turning. It sounds like the tire is out of alignment and the rubber of the tire rubbing up against the swing arm but there is no evidence of this.
Any ideas as to how to correct this problem?
Regards
This dealer (the one where I bought the bike from) also adjusted the belt. The rubbing noise is back within the first 50 miles after picking it up.
The noise is always there but is most noticible when coasting at low speeds like when you have engaged the clutch before coming to a stop. That is when the motor is idling and the sound can be heard. It is a periodic sound that matches the speed of the wheel turning. It sounds like the tire is out of alignment and the rubber of the tire rubbing up against the swing arm but there is no evidence of this.
Any ideas as to how to correct this problem?
Regards
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Sit on your bike and have someone check the belt guard to see if it is rubbing anywhere and check where the belt goes into the primary. If not try having them adjust the belt with you ( or somebody close to your weight)sitting on the bike. Also, make sure your belt is clean. Wash it with soap & water. If it is not rubbing, is clean and has been adjusted twice and then again with your weight on the bike ask them to replace it under warranty. Have them inspect the front & rear sprocket teeth as well. The belt should be firmly seated in the rear sprocket.
One more thing to check is to measure the rear wheel axle distances from both sides against the swingarm pivot. Both distances should be equal then lift the rear wheel off the ground and in neutral spin the rear wheel and see if it wobbles at all.
One more thing to check is to measure the rear wheel axle distances from both sides against the swingarm pivot. Both distances should be equal then lift the rear wheel off the ground and in neutral spin the rear wheel and see if it wobbles at all.
Last edited by KBFXDLI; Sep 12, 2008 at 03:36 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 3
From: DFW Metroplex
It can depend on where they adjusted the tension within the spec range. I read that the belt can tighten up when it heats up, so you don't get the sound until you've been riding for a bit. I had my dealer adjust the tension to the very lowest of the spec range and I haven't heard a peep out of it. Also, once I got past the 1K, I started riding it a little harder on occasion, accelerating harder at times. Maybe this also stretched it a little? I'm sure they checked it during the 5k so if they adjusted it, they did it right and not too tight.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
You can easily check if it is the rear brake. Just lightly touch them the next time you hear the sound, if it changes or goes away you've found where it's coming from. I agree with the Lyndall pads, they're great.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 853
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From:
my thought too, check the rotor and pads. good luck
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Minnesota
Thanks to all for your responses. I don't believe it's the brakes because the sound is still there when braking. Also, if it were the pads, I would expect the noise to be continuous unless the rotor were warped.
Joe Diver - I don't believe it's the belt tightening up with heat since the sound is there right away.
KBFXDLI - They did clean the belt. But I will have them explore some of your other proposed possibilities.
Thanks again.
Joe Diver - I don't believe it's the belt tightening up with heat since the sound is there right away.
KBFXDLI - They did clean the belt. But I will have them explore some of your other proposed possibilities.
Thanks again.
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Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Altoona, Pa.
Got the same sound on my 09 Ultra. Thought brakes at first but like above, didn't go away or change when hitting the breakes. Told the tech about it when I dropped it off for 1000 check. Right away he said they almost all do it and should lessen with time. Wasn't able to say what it was though.