Ok, I see on the 2010 Softails they knowledge the fact about the 5th gear and have fixed the problem. So for all of us who own older models 07 & 08 what can we do if anything to fix the problem? Is there a synthetic oil that will quieten down the lovable 5th gear RADDLE !

 

Synthetic eliminated my problem with finding neutral, made for smoother shifting in general and reduced the 5th gear rattle. Sometimes I almost forget I have it. Or maybe I've just gotten used to it.

Took a 10 Heritage for a demo yesterday. Definite difference in tranny noise. I guess fixing the gear that had nothing wrong with it worked.

I used Spectro 75-140 6speed synthetic which I could only find online. It's pricey but good for 20k. In any case I think it's the weight and not the brand or synthetic that's responsible for the improvements.

 

Redline shockproof heavy. It's as thick as syrup and as pink as peptol bismol. My bike is older so I do not have the issue, but I imagine it would help/

 

Two noises come from the gearbox. One is the 5th whine and better oil will tame it to a dull roar. Secondly, some have a clatter in 5th. That can be stopped with the newer SE big twin compensator on softails. Been there , done it. The fix for baggers is the ids system, or the new comp. If either of these won't cure it you gearbox is beyond hope. Baker has a replacement helical 5th gear set called the F6F which will stop the clatter at the source, which is the shafts bouncing back and forth in the case.
Ron

 

Redline works .There is no problem with 5th according to Harley. Wonder why they changed ??

 

my '08 Fat Boy must be the anomaly - no whine or rattle.... and I use HD oil.

whoops, better not say anything, HD will come get it back.....

 

Yes, puzzles me why the wife's 08 Deluxe isn't anywhere near as noticible as mine. Not even an issue with hers and she likes that it lets her know she's in 5th.

 

+1....Switched to Redline in all 3 holes at 5K. Approaching 10K now. Quieter and cooler. Time to do the wife's Deluxe now.

 

I have the Amsoil severe duty 75W-90W , no 5th gear problem. But 6th is my issue. I have to be going better than 70 MPH, and I get a clatter and lag for 6th real bad. Dealer said there's nothing wrong. Anybody else have this problem?

 

They got sick of people bitching about the whining noise.
Ron