Whirring while in gear
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: .
Whirring while in gear
Yesterday while my riding gears felt like they were slipping. I was a mile from home when it started. By the time I got home the bike will go into gear but not engage.
I adjusted the clutch as per the service manual and when I let the clutch out I just hear a whirring sound and the bike does not move. There is also no nose while in neutral.
As soon as the video loads to photo bucket I will post it so you can hear the sound.
I replaced the inner primary bearing on my '05 years ago, but that noise went away in gear and bike was rideable.
Any ideas?
I adjusted the clutch as per the service manual and when I let the clutch out I just hear a whirring sound and the bike does not move. There is also no nose while in neutral.
As soon as the video loads to photo bucket I will post it so you can hear the sound.
I replaced the inner primary bearing on my '05 years ago, but that noise went away in gear and bike was rideable.
Any ideas?
Last edited by CGLTD; Mar 12, 2019 at 04:57 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
Yesterday while my riding gears felt like they were slipping. I was a mile from home when it started. By the time I got home the bike will go into gear but not engage.
I adjusted the clutch as per the service manual and when I let the clutch out I just hear a whirring sound and the bike does not move. There is also no nose while in neutral.
As soon as the video loads to photo bucket I will post it so you can hear the sound.
I replaced the inner primary bearing on my '05 years ago, but that noise went away in gear and bike was rideable.
Any ideas?
I adjusted the clutch as per the service manual and when I let the clutch out I just hear a whirring sound and the bike does not move. There is also no nose while in neutral.
As soon as the video loads to photo bucket I will post it so you can hear the sound.
I replaced the inner primary bearing on my '05 years ago, but that noise went away in gear and bike was rideable.
Any ideas?
^^^^^ I blew the spines off the front pulley on a 2001 FXDXT. Sounded just like you describe, whiring noise but doesn't move.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Michigan
Other responses seem valid, but I'd start by inspecting the final drive belt to ensure it's OK (no missing teeth on the belt).
If that's OK, next is checking primary fluid level. Did you notice any burned smell when you had the derby off to make the clutch adjustment?
You'll probably need to pull primary cover to inspect the primary drive. Look for a loose drive chain & teeth worn off the comp sprocket. If primary chain & sprocket inspect OK, could be glazed/worn clutch plates. Should be easy to figure out once you're in there.
If that's OK, next is checking primary fluid level. Did you notice any burned smell when you had the derby off to make the clutch adjustment?
You'll probably need to pull primary cover to inspect the primary drive. Look for a loose drive chain & teeth worn off the comp sprocket. If primary chain & sprocket inspect OK, could be glazed/worn clutch plates. Should be easy to figure out once you're in there.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: .
Thank you. I will check it out this afternoon.
I forgot to mention that during the last ride I felt some "thumping" on the right floorboard. Felt like something was hitting it. Pulled over thinking something was loose. I then rode it the mile home. Thumping then came back while on my street.
I forgot to mention that during the last ride I felt some "thumping" on the right floorboard. Felt like something was hitting it. Pulled over thinking something was loose. I then rode it the mile home. Thumping then came back while on my street.
Last edited by CGLTD; Mar 13, 2019 at 05:33 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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The way I see it you have two options. Get it to a mechanic or start tearing into it yourself. You're not going to find the problem any other way. I hope you find the cause and I hope it’s something fairly easy like replacing clutch plates. Let us know what you find.
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From: poway
Easiest starter for diagnostics is to drain the primary oil, pull the clutch cover , start the bike and try to put it in gear to move. If inner part of the hub spins while sitting still you'll have to start taking things a part.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 35
From: Calgary Alberta Canada
I agree its in the clutch hub. My old 2000 started to "slip" was the plates catching in the worn notches in the hub splines. The notches were caused by the constant torquing of the clutch plate ears against the splines that slow caused wear until the plates started to stick in the notches. Could also be belt teeth missing.