Slack In The Drive Train

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Sep 17, 2014 | 05:20 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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From: Dallas tx

Slack In The Drive Train

Thought I'd get some input on this one. Over about the last 5K miles I've noticed some slack in the drive train. The bike runs smooth, but occasionally if I hit a bump on deceleration with my foot on the brake or when I just ratchet the throttle back and forth I catch a clunk in the drive train. There is definetly some play in it. The drive train used to be tight. I'm thinking I may need to replace the primary chain tensioner shoe. I did that at 22k and it was worn pretty good. I now have over 50k on the bike.

Any ideas what might be the cause?

Last edited by Pitbull_Dallas; Sep 17, 2014 at 05:26 PM.

Sep 17, 2014 | 05:27 PM

Seasoned HDF Member

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From: Centennial, CO

Sounds like the bike is worn out. Better ship it to me so I can put it out of its misery.

Sep 17, 2014 | 05:33 PM

2nd Heritage

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From: Lewiston, Idaho

I have a 2014 Heritage with the same problem with less than 2000 miles, just had the 1000 mi service by the dealer....Its going back to the dealer to see what the hell is going on.

Sep 17, 2014 | 05:36 PM

Jackie Paper

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From: Honah Lee

There is quite a bit of slack normally if you throttle on and off. Once the roller links groove in, the chain rolls, so that shoe will probably last a life time. You do not show year, is yours an auto tensioner? That actually clunk is probably the compensator winding up. It, the primary chain play and the backlash in the transmission add up to a lot. I would not give it a concern considering how you are making it do it.

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 17, 2014 at 05:40 PM.

Sep 17, 2014 | 05:38 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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From: Dallas tx

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2nd Heritage

I have a 2014 Heritage with the same problem with less than 2000 miles, just had the 1000 mi service by the dealer....Its going back to the dealer to see what the hell is going on.

Well post back what you find out. Like I said my bike has always been tight and I only began to notice it happening somewhat recently.

QC, I've got a 12 gauge loaded with buck shot, so when she starts to gasp her last breaths I'll put her out of her misery..

Ripsaw, mine is an 07.. My concern is it didn't do it before and does now, so something has changed. The change is what bothers me. When things change, something is up..

Last edited by Pitbull_Dallas; Sep 17, 2014 at 05:45 PM.

Sep 17, 2014 | 07:25 PM

Juiced_deuce

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2012

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From: iowa

compensator nut has backed off.

Sep 18, 2014 | 08:57 AM

corliss@bakerdrivetrain.com

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From: Michigan

Pull the outer primary off and have a look, as stated the compensator could be loose, or the auto tensioner is not functioning and the chain could be loose.

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Oct 18, 2014 | 12:49 PM

Pitbull_Dallas

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Road Master

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 852

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From: Dallas tx

Well I'm back on this subject. The "clunk" seems to be growing a bit worst. Could be I've become sensitized to it, but I don't think so. I get the worst clunk is when I'm running about 50 in fifth gear. I'm not loading the drive train at that speed, just gently cruising down the road. If it is the compensator I'd think I would be able to hear something when the bike is in neutral and I rack the throttle a bit. The engine/primary sound normal when running in neutral.

There has been one other thing I notice from time to time and that is when down shifting, I'll sometimes pull in the clutch and rap thr throttle just before I down Shift. Occasionally it feels like something is catching up and engaging. Remember, I have the clutch pulled in all the way. The cable is adjusted properly..

Opinions?

Oct 18, 2014 | 04:26 PM

#10

imboden

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Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 2,967

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I put a hayden auto tensioner on mine... runs like new.

I've done some reading that the harley version has some trouble. Mine is an 05' anyways so I didn't have one in the first place...

good luck...