So, I was riding the Ol' heritage to work the other day and I started to hear what sounded just like a bird "chirp". I was toolin' in high gear, so I doubted it was a bird. I figured it was a loose nut, bolt, or something. I rode another mile or so and got to work, giving the bike a quick going over to see if I could find that "bird". No luck. Everything seemed tight, and I had to get to work.

After work, I figured I'd see if the bird returned. It did. At about 30 mph and up, I would get a random "chirp, chirp". It didn't seem to matter what gear, and it did it whether the clutch was in or out. Seemed speed related, not RPM.

I took it easy for the ride home, taking the back way to keep speeds down. Once everything cooled, I scoured the bike, looking for anything. I first thought maybe a wheel bearing, but couldn't find anything along those lines. Checked belt. Looked good. Then, I peeked down at the transmission drive pulley and I THINK I'm seeing some oil spray on the tips of the gear teeth. I think maybe my main bearing (and seal) are bad. The bike has approximately 63,000 miles, and I have no idea how any previous owner treated it. I checked the trans fluid and it's still right where it should be on the dipstick and doesn't look all cruddy.

So, I'm at a crossroads, and I'm just starting to decipher the road signs. But, as a friend of mine always used to say, "THIS is an S.O.I. (Significant Opportunity for Improvement)!

Here's where I'm at currently. If this bird hadn't shown up, I'd have ridden this thing for another 60K miles- happily. I'm really diggin' the way it runs, even with the 5-speed. I did have a 34-tooth pulley installed, which made it even better for my riding style. I have no complaints.
But, there are 'opportunities for improvement'. So, the bike is going to the shop to be looked at first. I'm not Mr. Transmission. Never really was. We'll know more once my indy tears into it a bit, so this is partial mental exercising, partial financial preparation. Once he's in there, we'll know if a race had spun or if there's any case damage. No clunks or anything like that.

But, since it'll be apart, a rebuild kit is a minimum, I'd say. But what about some new shifter forks, and hey, a Baker shift drum sounds cool. So, add all that up, and you're getting closer to a new DD5 assembly with some new gears and all! I feel like Clark Griswold ridin' that slippery slope.


As mentioned, I already have a 34-tooth pulley, so the 1:1 ratio actually keeps me in my "sweet spot". I'm trying to figure out what the OEM gear ratios are for the factory 5-speed. Online, everything factors in the primary gearing as well. But, Baker's website only lists the transmission ratios: The DD5 Ratios
Standard Ratios 1st Gear 2.94 / Optional 3.24 2nd Gear 2.21 3rd Gear 1.60 4th Gear 1.23 5th Gear 1.00 Anyone know the OEM GEAR ratios inside the transmission?

And, while we're at it, anyone use the DD5 (or another Baker product)? I've read the descriptions and reviews online. Anyone here have one with some miles on it? Still feel it was a significant improvement? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks in advance.

 

Chances are that the pulley nut cam loose.

 

If that's all it is, I'll be happy.
I went over and spoke with my indy this morning. Working on a time to get the bike over there for him to look at it. He said those 5-speeds were pretty reliable, so he'd be surprised if it was something deep.
Appreciate the insight, and I'll definitely let y'all know what he/we find out.
I am gradually working my way back from the new-transmission cliff. But the view is GREAT from up here!
Thanks @Max Headflow !

 

Just out of curiosity does it chirp at slower speeds when letting off the throttle?

 

Lots of the time the chirping is the belt being dirty or out of adjustment..
Clean the belt and apply some silly cone spray on a rag first to the outside edge of the belt. See if it quiets down.
My 92 Heritage did this and i would rub a cayon on the edge of the belt once in a while to quiet it down.

 

Not that I noticed, Ed. It starts around 30 mph and changes with speed. Not constant, just occasional. It also does it whether the clutch is in or out -- coasting.

 

I could be wrong about what I'm sayin' but my experience with belt squeak is at lower speeds.. With out riding the bike and getting it up on a lift to spin the rear wheel. It's only a guess..

 

Ok. If it does, that's a sign of a loose belt. Loose belts tend to make noise when reverse driven on decel. Had to ask.

 

No worries Ed.
I did check the belt tightness as best I could. It's a weird one. It'll be interesting to see what it REALLY is. I'll be sure to post it, possibly with some images if I can get them.
Hopefully this will help someone else down the road. That's one of the great things about these forums.

 

Possibly a brake pad "kissing" the rotor? Just a thought. My bike started doing that same thing with the front rotor, and after a brake fluid change it is quiet. Just a thought and easy to check.