noise when downshifting???
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5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
noise when downshifting???
i just got my bike 3 weeks ago and i have noticed that sometimes when downshifting there is a quick ratchet/click sound. the bike is an 06 softail night train. it has no pattern to it and it does it in all gears. its very intermittent. is there any kind of clutch adjustment that i may need to do? one other thing ive noticed is that when i start the bike in gear with the clutch pulled sometimes it jumps forward a little bit. this is another reason im leaning towards a clutch issue. i just changed all the fluids and that didnt seem to help any. the bike has 8800 miles on it. hopefully its a normal condition but i kind of doubt it. thanks for any help
Last edited by gmspd; Sep 2, 2010 at 08:00 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I never start my bike with it in gear and the clutch pulled in because the clutch will drag enough to work the starter very hard. It will also cause the bike to jump sometimes. Don't know about your downshift rachet click, but it is probably normal. Having said all of that, might not hurt to check you clutch adjustment. It is easy to do if you have a manual.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
When you changed the fluids, was the primary chain's slack in spec?
That was my first guess at the sounds.
You could make sure the clutch adjuster screw is correctly set.
You'd need a new Derby gasket to replace the old one.
Add slack to the clutch cable by loosening the cable adjuster under the rubber boot on the cable until you have alot of free play at the clutch lever.
Loosen the jam nut holding the clutch adjuster screw, (behind the derby cover). Turn the screw clockwise until it's lightly seated. Activate the clutch lever to verify the ***** are seated in the ramps.
Back out the adjusting screw counterclockwise 1/2 to 1 full turn. Tighten the jam nut while holding the adjusting screw with a allen wrench.
Squeeze clutch lever to maximum limit three times, to set ball and ramp release mechanism.
Adjust the cable by turning the cable adjuster away from the jam nut until slack is eliminated at the hand lever.
You want 1/16 to 1/8 free play when you apply the clutch lever before it starts to activate the clutch.
Tighten the jam nut on the cable adjuster while holding the adjuster with a wrench. cover the cable with the rubber boot again.
That was my first guess at the sounds.
You could make sure the clutch adjuster screw is correctly set.
You'd need a new Derby gasket to replace the old one.
Add slack to the clutch cable by loosening the cable adjuster under the rubber boot on the cable until you have alot of free play at the clutch lever.
Loosen the jam nut holding the clutch adjuster screw, (behind the derby cover). Turn the screw clockwise until it's lightly seated. Activate the clutch lever to verify the ***** are seated in the ramps.
Back out the adjusting screw counterclockwise 1/2 to 1 full turn. Tighten the jam nut while holding the adjusting screw with a allen wrench.
Squeeze clutch lever to maximum limit three times, to set ball and ramp release mechanism.
Adjust the cable by turning the cable adjuster away from the jam nut until slack is eliminated at the hand lever.
You want 1/16 to 1/8 free play when you apply the clutch lever before it starts to activate the clutch.
Tighten the jam nut on the cable adjuster while holding the adjuster with a wrench. cover the cable with the rubber boot again.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 12
From: Arizona
sounds like you need to adjust the clutch. shouldnt jump when in gear and clutch pulled in. also ive heard fairly new bike make noise when down shifting so i think it normal. but id adjust the clutch and see if it makes it a little better.
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