Clunk!

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Aug 18, 2010 | 03:02 PM

#21

Bikenator

Club Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 463

Likes: 1

From: in a trailer next to a ditch in South Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlbowers

The transmission is a constant mesh. that means all of the gears are always in contact with their counterparts.

When you shift you are moving what is called a dog between gear groups. If you look at the left gear cluster at the top you will see them. 6 around the shaft.

When they drop into the receiving cluster with torque applied that is the clunk. That clunk is Harley. Nothing wrong with it. If you want super quiet you shouldn't have bought a Harley.

Great explanation and photo!
Harley-Davidson uses engagement dogs not synchronizers. Synchros are used in manual shift cars and many foreign M'cycle transmissions. The suggestion to hold the clutch in during starts and holding it in for a while before enaging 1st gear helps a lot and is a good safety tip. Keep the clutch in proper adjustment (both cable and clutch pack) to minimize clutch drag when dis-engaging.
My transmission lube choice is Mobil 1 75w-140 synthetic.

Aug 18, 2010 | 07:43 PM

#22

Firemed509

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 299

Likes: 0

From: Elk Grove, Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocJ

It seems to be a normal Softail trait. Use synthetic in the tranny and that will help a lot.

+1... I changed to syn3 and it is not so loud.

Aug 18, 2010 | 08:00 PM

#23

08rock

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 1,005

Likes: 13

From: new jersey

Thanks . I don't mind the klunk as long as it's not causing any damage

Aug 19, 2010 | 11:05 AM

#24

Man In Black

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 354

Likes: 8

From: Pittsburgh , Pa.

Worry no more, it's normal. You will actually learn to enjoy it. It is part of the Harley experience.

Aug 19, 2010 | 11:07 AM

#25

HOG_0308

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,907

Likes: 3

Buy a gold wing and stop complaining. its a Harley, its suppose to bang and pop and have things fall off going down the road.

Last edited by HOG_0308; Aug 20, 2010 at 12:11 AM.

Aug 19, 2010 | 02:03 PM

#26

akhenaten

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 258

Likes: 0

From: Edmond, OK

Clunk is good...at least you KNOW that you are in gear

Aug 19, 2010 | 07:45 PM

#27

Jim Kraft

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 2,856

Likes: 127

From: Middle of Kansas

I had a 68 Honda 160 Scrambler that clunked also. It was fun, but sure not a Harley. My old 1942 "45" hand shift clunked. On my 84 Sporty, I use to watch the rear chain when I put it in gear, just to watch it bounce.