The Harley Clack
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
I use the BelRay transmission oil; it shifts smooth as silk. In the morning, hold in the clutch while you start for a few seconds, the sound is barely noticeable when you shift into first.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I read some article several years ago, maybe 2000 or even earlier, that HD was rethinking their design. THey had already came up with a way to get more power, silky smooth shifting, minimal vibrations, and quieter sound from their bikes. They presented it to some stock holders, riders, or some such Harley purists that raised hell. So they actually went back to the drawing board and redesigned the shift clunk, sound, and vibrations back into the bike so it would be a Harley again so their long term fan base would be happy.
I wish I still had that article.
I wish I still had that article.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 566
Likes: 7
From: Seattle, WA
It's a combination of cold oil and the clutch "sticking" and only releasing when the gear engages. When you pull the clutch lever, it doesn't actually pull the friction plates apart, it merely stops pushing them together. If the friction plates have been sitting all night pressed together, they stick a little bit on the first release. My old Honda does the same thing.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
While we're discussing clanks, clunks, and clacks, I have noticed just in the last couple of days a clatter that sounds like it's coming from the top end. I first noticed it after filling up with gas. I was in a different part of town and wound up filling up at a station that I'm sure has 10% ethanol in their gasoline whereas I normally fill up at a station near the house that doesn't have the ethanol in it.
Is this the cause of my noise that I'm just now hearing? Or is this noise normal and just doesn't show up for a while on a new motor? (I now have between 650 and 700 miles on it). I don't recall hearing it before. Will it go away when I put the better gasoline in it?
Is this the cause of my noise that I'm just now hearing? Or is this noise normal and just doesn't show up for a while on a new motor? (I now have between 650 and 700 miles on it). I don't recall hearing it before. Will it go away when I put the better gasoline in it?
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
my cross roads did it too.....could never understand that
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,808
Likes: 3
So they actually went back to the drawing board and redesigned the shift clunk, sound, and vibrations back into the bike so it would be a Harley again so their long term fan base would be happy.
