Fifth Gear Whine
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 7
From: Indianapolis
Fifth Gear Whine
Okay, I know that since the six speed trannys were introduced, many have commented on the whine in 5th gear. Some people hear it, some don't. I am on my 3rd 6 speed bike and all have had it to one degree or another. Like most, I have changed oil, etc. in an effort to minimize what is essentially a mechanical problem.
I have a question for those riders who DO have the whine. Has the whine reduced over miles or has it increased? Has it stayed the same?
On my '09 Ultra, I think the whine is getting louder, but that may just be me obsessing.
I have a question for those riders who DO have the whine. Has the whine reduced over miles or has it increased? Has it stayed the same?
On my '09 Ultra, I think the whine is getting louder, but that may just be me obsessing.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland, Florida
5th gear whine
I have an 07 Streetglide "the original whinner" . Here's the fix- Baker F6 fix for the tranny. Once I did it the 6 speed is totally quiet. This is the ONLY real fix for this problem. It is the straight cut gears that make the noise, nothing else. The Harley "CUSH DRIVE" helps but does not cure the problem. I tried everything, heavier trans fluids, no engine lagging, mileage over time, nothing worked. Finally at 2200 miles I said that's it and did the Baker Fix. Quiet as a church mouse now, you hear nothing. I love it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Okay, I know that since the six speed trannys were introduced, many have commented on the whine in 5th gear. Some people hear it, some don't. I am on my 3rd 6 speed bike and all have had it to one degree or another. Like most, I have changed oil, etc. in an effort to minimize what is essentially a mechanical problem.
I have a question for those riders who DO have the whine. Has the whine reduced over miles or has it increased? Has it stayed the same?
On my '09 Ultra, I think the whine is getting louder, but that may just be me obsessing.
I have a question for those riders who DO have the whine. Has the whine reduced over miles or has it increased? Has it stayed the same?
On my '09 Ultra, I think the whine is getting louder, but that may just be me obsessing.
I don't even notice the whine anymore, frankly, or at least rarely and don't consider it a problem. It certainly isn't a "mechanical problem" since it is caused by the spur-cut gears and is a normal side-effect of the stronger gear set for 1st and 5th gears.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 17,717
Likes: 1
From: NY
Trending Topics
I have an 07 FLSTC and the noise stopped once I switched over to synthetic....but it never really bothered me....just wanted to see if it would help.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From:
Sewing machine option
I like having the different sound in 5th gear. It helps as an indicator for what gear I'm in. I don't see it as a whine; it's just a different sound. It is not a problem; the gears work just fine. For those who can't stand a few sounds from their bike should take a look at the Honda Gold Wing and that nice sewing machine sound.
