Gear Backlash Noise

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Aug 11, 2016 | 10:23 PM

aqua754

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 229

Likes: 19

From: LI, NY

Gear Backlash Noise

Just traded up to a SGS from a 2008 Fat Boy. 570 miles so far. When riding on a moderately bumpy road, or even a bump on the highway with cruise control off, there is a tendency for my throttle hand to jerk the throttle from a bump on the cusp of excel and de-excel. I hear a somewhat nasty gear clang or noise from I assume is gear backlash. The Fat boy throttle cable offered a little friction resistance so this did not occur, and any noise if any, was much less noticeable. Is this noise normal as I did not have this on my Fat Boy, which also seemed much smoother on bumps.

Aug 12, 2016 | 05:25 AM

Ultraboy105

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 338

Likes: 23

From: Wisconsin

I'm assuming it's what I'm blaming the cush drive and compensator combined for the similar noise. I think the rebound from the rubber cush drive makes the compensator slap.

Aug 12, 2016 | 06:31 AM

Teal

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 104

Likes: 19

I get the same thing too which I find annoying. To avoid it, I simply engage the cruise control.

Aug 12, 2016 | 06:39 AM

timbo141

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 1,418

Likes: 276

From: USA

What is your wrist position on the throttle side?

Aug 12, 2016 | 08:55 AM

KrustyKush

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 1,143

Likes: 433

From: Menifee, CA

On my 2016 FLHTCU I sometimes hear a thunk when going throttle off at speed, usually lower speeds where the ambient noise is less. I think this is normal.

It always takes me about 10,000 miles to get to know a new bike. My FLHTCU has been no exception.

Aug 12, 2016 | 09:36 AM

hardheaded

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 11,200

Likes: 3,029

From: St.Louis Mo.

compensator banging around. at low speeds and in to high a gear they do it. slowing down or coming to a stop is when mine does it.

Aug 12, 2016 | 12:25 PM

journeyman

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 934

Likes: 54

From: SE Wisconsin

First off, when switching to a bike with a fairing, you are going to hear things from your engine you never could before.

Secondly, if you are trying to quite down a tranny backlash noise on a bike that is newer and running good, I'd start with the oil. What is in there? Any metal fragments? If not a simple upgrade might do the trick.

Many on the forum have enjoyed the performance of Redline shockproof for the transmission.

https://www.amazon.com/Red-Line-4280.../dp/B004X973EA