I own a '07 Heritage Classic with the SE 2 upgrade. Since this is my first Harley I don't know if what I'm hearing is normal or not. Most of the time the bike shifts not hard, but clunks when up or down shifting. Some times, I guess if every thing is running the same rpm, it shifts without making a noise.

Is the clunking normal? or unique to the 6-speed? or do I have a problem?

 

The 6 speeds are a quieter box the the 5 speeds but they all clunk some more than others. If you have a concern or think something has changed have it checked out.

 

Can't speak for a new bike, but the clunking is 'normal' for a HD. Also, a bit of the clunk 'feel' is due to the primary chain. Does it feel like you're driving an old dump truck? Normal. Over time, the noise will diminish, or you'll get used to it. I get 'spooked' when I ride a metric...They shift/sound weird to me now.

Then when it starts making 'new noises' you can get concerned....

 

Perfectly normal. My Super Glide did it back in 1978, and my '06 Heritage does it too, just part of a Harley. I've read some posts here that suggest changing to xxxx-brand transmission fluid reduces or eliminates the clunking. Don't remember the brand, and haven't tried it myself, but if you check the archives I'm sure you can find it. You get used to it after a while and don't even notice it.

Jeff

 

The "clunking" when shifting is a little louder on my 07' than it was on previously owned HD models. I believe it is now the "standard" sound, as is the much more pronounced "starter slap" for this new year. If those are your only starting / tranny issues, you're doing good and it is "normal noise".

 

I noticed the "heavy" clunking when shifting, but now that I have ridden it a bit I'm getting used to it better and the upshifts, when I do it right, are a nearly seamless change from one gear to the next. Downshifting, like for a stop sign or traffic light it still clunks, but its no worse than the 81 FXB Stirgus 4 speed I was on this past weekend, just less of them.
As for the starter, they mounted the starter motor a different way this (07) year and that may have something to do with its engagment (crashing?) "noise". In any event it must be a fairly powerful little beast, cause it has no problem spinning over the larger, higher compression engine in the 07's. Even if it does nearly give you a heart attack the first few times the Bendix drive "slams" into engagement.

 

I have an 06, and when I first got it the clunk seemed loud. Now after a few thousand miles it seems much better. Either that or the loud pipes are making me deaf!

 

No previous HD for me to compare my '07 to,but when upshifting: I roll off the throttle a bit to let RPM's drop,put slight upwards pressure on the shift lever just before pulling the clutch lever,it seems to shift smoothly,without the clunking sensation....If my coordination's not good it clunks.

Downshifting's been smooth.seems like it's all about a light touch with the clutch lever and appropriate engine RPM's.

Still polishing my technique,the smoother I am the less it clunks.

 

Usually get the clunk in first gear only. Pretty much that's what Harey's do. I equate it to the sound of positive engagement!

 

Dave: Your choice of colors is great! They seem familiar to me...but something is different...?

Oh, BTW, clunking in the shift is normal for a Harley. If you are careful you can shift most of the time without it, but you have to pay attention. If I use my toe and match speeds (kind of like a double clutch, but not) I can shift pretty quietly. I haven't figured out how to get rid of the neutral to 1st clunk though. Just part of the Harley mystique.