How loud are geared cams?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
How loud are geared cams?
Hi All
I considering changing my cams to geared cams. Possibly changing to 95 jugs later. But I keep hearing that HD doesn't put geared cams in the bikes because they are too loud. How loud is loud. It is as loud as the ticking coming from the heads?
Thanks ahead for you help
Beary
I considering changing my cams to geared cams. Possibly changing to 95 jugs later. But I keep hearing that HD doesn't put geared cams in the bikes because they are too loud. How loud is loud. It is as loud as the ticking coming from the heads?
Thanks ahead for you help
Beary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 2
From: Houston (Area)
RE: How loud are geared cams?
I installed gear cams back in December and I can definitely hear them. They aren't loud but the sound they make isa little annoying. However when I twist the throttle, I find my happy place. 
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From:
RE: How loud are geared cams?
WHAT , WHAT DID YOU SAY?
Sorry i had gear cams in my softail for three years and my ears are what they use to be.Harley doesn't use them for cost and they have to use parts that wear out after a few miles so you have to come back and buy new parts and so on and so on.I install the S&S gear cams with all new cam bearings inners and outers,i must of installed them correct cause they never made any noise what so ever even with your ear on the cam cover.I used 570G cams had my stock jugs bore for 10.5 pistons and the heads were chambered,ported,polished and new larger valves installed by jerry branch .Used adjustable push rods with roller rockers and vance and hines pipes,SE race tuner 105hp build .
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 18
From: Belmont, MI
RE: How loud are geared cams?
ORIGINAL: beary
Hi All
I considering changing my cams to geared cams. Possibly changing to 95 jugs later. But I keep hearing that HD doesn't put geared cams in the bikes because they are too loud. How loud is loud. It is as loud as the ticking coming from the heads?
Thanks ahead for you help
Beary
Hi All
I considering changing my cams to geared cams. Possibly changing to 95 jugs later. But I keep hearing that HD doesn't put geared cams in the bikes because they are too loud. How loud is loud. It is as loud as the ticking coming from the heads?
Thanks ahead for you help
Beary
Rick
Banned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 845
Likes: 4
From: ID ho
RE: How loud are geared cams?
Gear whine on a twin cam is louder than that of a Pan Head with a stock muffler but quiter than a Thunderheader or Rineharts. Or it can be completly quiet. Just depends on how much time and effort is put into setting them up. There are different size gears, both pinion and cam, that can be used to adjust for backlash. I have seen some that are both tight and have free play and it was the gears themselves becuase pinion runout was checked and good. It is by far quieter than a Pete Jackson gear drive on a small block chevy.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From:
RE: How loud are geared cams?
My gear drive is actually pretty quiet, but the G26's cause a little clatter when hot and idling but not bad.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 40
From: Chester NY
RE: How loud are geared cams?
When installed by the book, they should be quite. First rule, check runout...More than .002 they wmay be loud. More than .003 i wont use them. Make sure back lash is set propely and you will be fine with no noise. Oh, by the way, i just installed a set of those "noisey" woods TW6G's.....Quite as church mouses.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 643
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RE: How loud are geared cams?
ORIGINAL: beary
Hi All
I considering changing my cams to geared cams. Possibly changing to 95 jugs later. But I keep hearing that HD doesn't put geared cams in the bikes because they are too loud. How loud is loud. It is as loud as the ticking coming from the heads?
Thanks ahead for you help
Beary
Hi All
I considering changing my cams to geared cams. Possibly changing to 95 jugs later. But I keep hearing that HD doesn't put geared cams in the bikes because they are too loud. How loud is loud. It is as loud as the ticking coming from the heads?
Thanks ahead for you help
Beary
When the gears are noisy they were not properly installed.
The reason HD did not install them is EPA rules, not
because they are too loud.
I agree with Hogdoc: check pinion runout and stick to S&S instructions.
www.sscycle.com/modules/instruction/uploads/51-1047.pdf
Peter
'99 RKC
S&S .510G gear drive cams
AN Big Sucker a/c
PC111 USB powercommander
SE pro performance pipes
Corbin dual tour saddle
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Exeter, NH
RE: How loud are geared cams?
Just had them put in my bike and rode it for the first time yesterday. I was expecting more noise from them. They are pretty quet - a slight whine, kinda like the whine of a blower on a V8 cager - but definately not as loud! I like it.