Is this normal?
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 67
1st and 5th gear are straight cut by design. Harley engineers or whomever they hired to do the design work for the new 6 speed transmission in model year 2007 were of the opinion that the straight cut in 1 & 5 were desirable because of their strength as opposed to hellical gears. Apparently these engineers have never ridden anything but a Harley because hellical cut gears are in widespread use throughout the world.
Just another reason the Harley old heads need to retire gracefully or start listening to some younger, educated engineers. Up until lately, it has taken decades for Harley to adopt new engineering principals.
"Change is not a good thing" has been the mantra for as long as I can remember at the MOCO. Well, that was then and this is now! New management team appears to be looking at a lot of the old practices.
Just another reason the Harley old heads need to retire gracefully or start listening to some younger, educated engineers. Up until lately, it has taken decades for Harley to adopt new engineering principals.
"Change is not a good thing" has been the mantra for as long as I can remember at the MOCO. Well, that was then and this is now! New management team appears to be looking at a lot of the old practices.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Central New York
It seems to be a matter of degree. I hear the whine when I shift into 5th, but it is not particularly loud and it goes away as my speed increases. I have gotten into the habit of listening for it as confirmation that I am in 5th. Other people apparently have a really loud whine that does not go away. That is probably not a good thing. Has anybody tried changing fluids? I have Syn 3 in all three holes, for whatever it's worth.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
well I found that while syn oil is great for the engine,it isnt for the res.i replaced my rimary and tranny oil and have no noise and the clutch problems i've had since 1000 mile service(hmmmm HD dealer told me to go with syn oil in all 3 holes) has went away.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
Even when my bike was brand new, I never had the 5th gear whine. Luck I guess. If it's present, it's so quiet that I don't notice it. (And my hearing is fine.)
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: McKinney, TX
I've had it since day one on new 09 Road King. Dont care for it. Am running Syn3 since 1k service. Am going to Amsoil 75/90 in final drive at next change. Hopefully that will quiet the bike down. Other than the whine the bike runs like a dream. Enjoy the ride.