Normal or not? Driveline backlash.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 7
From: USA
This thread is a little old, but I figured I would update. Having still heard the clunk, I took it to the H-D dealership for a diagnosis. They said the primary chain was within spec (so I guess I adjusted it right) and that the clunking I was hearing is normal. I half expected to get that answer. After doing some google research, I found another thread on the XL forums that addressed the same issue. When you roll on the throttle or let off on it quickly, there is a clunk in the driveline. The final conclusion was that it was a normal sportster sound.
If anyone has any information to the contrary, I would appreciate hearing it. The drivebelt appears to be tensioned correctly. I noticed recently that the clunking was getting a little louder and the throttle was much more sensitive to it, so I tightened the primary chain (it was not too bad, but could use the adjustment) and it certainly reduced it. I would have to assume that the clunking is indeed normal, and I do not expect it to fully go away.
If anyone has any information to the contrary, I would appreciate hearing it. The drivebelt appears to be tensioned correctly. I noticed recently that the clunking was getting a little louder and the throttle was much more sensitive to it, so I tightened the primary chain (it was not too bad, but could use the adjustment) and it certainly reduced it. I would have to assume that the clunking is indeed normal, and I do not expect it to fully go away.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
Bed, you need to have engine fully warmed up when doing this whine method as aluminum grows much more than steel as the engine warms up. The measuring method most likely takes this into account and is for a cold engine. Charley may know this for sure.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
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From: Nashville, TN
I happen to know that cHarley also uses the whine method.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 7
From: USA
So when I adjusted the chain the other night, the engine was at temp and I used the "whine" method. It reduced the clunk, but it's still very much there. Drawing from my own conclusions and that of others and the H-D dealership, this noise I am hearing is normal and I can live with it. My bike makes plenty of other noises as well, so it's something I can easily deal with. However I would like for this thread to live so if anyone else happens to have the same questions they can read about it in this thread. I would also like to see this thread get plenty of exposure, so if anyone has any conflicting information about the driveline clunk, they can post here as well. That being said if anyone believes this not to be normal or has a way of fixing it, please post away.
Last edited by Bedore; Jul 22, 2010 at 12:57 PM.
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