Transmission "Cluck"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
Again like the others, it's normal. Im on my second new Harley and both have done it. I have found however that when you do your oil change, switch out your transmission/primary (one in the same with the Sportser) start using a high quality synthetic oil. At 1,000 miles I switched to synthetic 75-140 and it did quiet it down some. Just this week I did my 5,000 mile service and even though Harley says the transmission will go 20,000 miles I changed it out again. I feel this has kept the "clunk" you hear quieter.
Once you get used to the quirks and noises of the Harley, I think you will find it quit a reliable machine. I can't stress routine maintenance enough. Use high quality fluids. And you will find several people with very high mileage on their original motors.
Enjoy your Sportster, I miss mine and wish I'd never traded it in. You will find several people on this forum that feel the same.
Once you get used to the quirks and noises of the Harley, I think you will find it quit a reliable machine. I can't stress routine maintenance enough. Use high quality fluids. And you will find several people with very high mileage on their original motors.
Enjoy your Sportster, I miss mine and wish I'd never traded it in. You will find several people on this forum that feel the same.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 20
From: Kafar Hanusi
Okie,
Yes, its normal, yes it means business, yes its an irritation!
Like the clutch pack.
Or
Like the motor sounding like a sewing machine on the highway, but, remember that a sewing machine is a well oiled instrument meant to work long and hard without interruptions and you will get the idea about your HD.
(everyone, cross your fingers and pray for this gentleman and his new toy!)
May the Gods of Detroit or Pennsylvania keep you safe, clean, unbeaten and fast.
.
Yes, its normal, yes it means business, yes its an irritation!
Like the clutch pack.
Or
Like the motor sounding like a sewing machine on the highway, but, remember that a sewing machine is a well oiled instrument meant to work long and hard without interruptions and you will get the idea about your HD.
(everyone, cross your fingers and pray for this gentleman and his new toy!)
May the Gods of Detroit or Pennsylvania keep you safe, clean, unbeaten and fast.
.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
Search this forum and I suspect you will find arguments for and against. Issue with synthetics and a wet clutch are the friction modifiers.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,845
Likes: 1,997
From: Eastern,North Carolina
I'll stick with it.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Ocala, Florida
My 02 Sportster shifts very quietly compared to my Russian 05 Ural Tourist. Only quiet shifting Sporty I have had was my 1960 Xl I owned back in 1985-86. It shifted on the "Correct side" too.