Buzzing noise?
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: North Carolina
Buzzing noise?
I have a 2011 Electra Glide Classic 96ci twin cam with approximately 76k miles. I bought it from the local HD dealer last fall. Anyway, I have developed a "buzzing" noise while moving. I dont have great hearing, but I think I may hear it faintly at idle as well. I'm thinking maybe a tensioner? Cam or primary chair...? Sounds to me like its coming from the front of the bike. It it possible it's front wheel bearings? Been dealing with bikes for about 45 years now so I'm not new to all this, but this is my first HD big twin. Looking for input.
Thanx
Thanx
Last edited by ScooterB; Jun 15, 2021 at 07:26 AM. Reason: Spelling
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From: Tulsa
Things to help narrow it down:
- Does it match wheel speed or engine speed?
- Does it change pitch when you lean one way or another?
- Does it change pitch with road surface?
- Does it change when you disengage the clutch?
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Its definitely a road speed thing. If pull the clutch and let the engine die down the noise does not change. It seems to change in intensity with road speed. The faster you go the louder and more noticeable it seems to be. It does not seem to change with lean angle or direction. The bike seems to handle fine. I plan to put it on the floor lift when I get home this afternoon and check the wheel bearing like you said.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: North Carolina
Update...
I said earlier that it was a road speed thing, I'd like to correct that. After riding home from work this afternoon and playing around with listening closely at different speeds and when the clutch is disengaged I thin I've determined that the noise is in fact engine speed related. Having decided that, when I got home I pulled the derby cover to look in at the primary chain and tensioner shoe. Without pulling the primary cover it is difficult to say if things are in perfect condition and adjustment but, the chain appeared to be adequately tight and from what I could see the tensioner shoe was in place and did not appear to be excessively worn. I jacked the bike up and checked wheel rotation. Aside from your typical pad on rotor noise I didnt detect any bearing noise, looseness or catching/]sticky points in the wheel rotation either front or back. I gave the bike a good looking over and I am finding nothing out of the ordinary... Still at a loss for the source of this noise.
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From: poway
Other places to look.
Worn from tire.
Loose clutch or brake levers.
Loose or cracked windshield,
Broken fairing mount.
Loose headlight rim.
Could be some cable inside the fairing.
Loose fender parts, from running light, bumper etc.
Cracked front fender.
Add:
BTW at that number of miles, make sure the rear turn signal mounts are tight. Check the shift lever clamps. Check for broken / loose heat shields.
Worn from tire.
Loose clutch or brake levers.
Loose or cracked windshield,
Broken fairing mount.
Loose headlight rim.
Could be some cable inside the fairing.
Loose fender parts, from running light, bumper etc.
Cracked front fender.
Add:
BTW at that number of miles, make sure the rear turn signal mounts are tight. Check the shift lever clamps. Check for broken / loose heat shields.
Last edited by Max Headflow; Jun 16, 2021 at 12:00 PM.
