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Old Aug 20, 2010 | 03:08 PM
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  #31  
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I have to agree. If it didn't clunk, it wouldn't be a harley. These bikes make weird noises. If you want a quiet, smooth bike, buy a Honda, lol.
 
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Old Aug 21, 2010 | 01:50 AM
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Originally Posted by DocJ
It seems to be a normal Softail trait. Use synthetic in the tranny and that will help a lot.
Its a normal HD trait...not just softies...
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 06:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Mordrapheus
I always looked at it as being part of the HD experience. Its is just one of the little HD quirks, it is part of its character.

That 60s trick...I have always been doing that, not because I knew this trick but just because I always hold in the clutch when I start up the bike, as a precaution. Now it makes sense why I do not have the clunk as much as others
I do the same, I'm used to the clunk, its the small lurch forward that catches me out some time. Lets not forget that HD's are very agricultural and as has been said, if you want a smooth shift best buy another make.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 06:45 AM
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If it doesn't clunk I get worried.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 07:16 AM
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Originally Posted by jlasoftail
I have to agree. If it didn't clunk, it wouldn't be a harley. These bikes make weird noises. If you want a quiet, smooth bike, buy a Honda, lol.

Aint that the truth
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 08:14 AM
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mine used to bang just as loud as the rest of 'em
drop it in gear - BANG
upshift - BANG
downshift - BANG

my scoot still makes plenty of weird noises from time to time, but with the right combo of fluids in the primary/tranny, it totally eliminates the big assed CLUNK to much more tolerable click, & after a while it's just silent as you shift
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 08:56 AM
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Mine clunks coming down from say 3rd to 2nd on a corner - even when warm - Normal? Its a brand new 2010 fatboy!

Cheers
Mongrel
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 09:05 AM
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Originally Posted by AusMongrel
Mine clunks coming down from say 3rd to 2nd on a corner - even when warm - Normal? Its a brand new 2010 fatboy!

Cheers
Mongrel

...it's a design feature that pairs clunkiness with chunkiness.

I've got the same pair.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 09:10 AM
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Its hard not to think that its doing damage.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2010 | 09:23 AM
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Originally Posted by oct1949
Its a normal HD trait...not just softies...
I've ridden numerous sportsters and dynas, as well as a few of the touring models...never experienced the clunky shift outside of a softail.
 
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