Just got back from a 5500 km trip to Cape Breton Island. 9 days, pouring rain the whole way. Even some sleet. Boy what fun. When I say it rained all day, I mean out of, say, a 12-hour day, it rained for about 11. Some nights, the bike sat outside in the rain outside of the hotel.

Anyways, complete oil & filter & primary & tranny before I left - Amsoil 20W50 all around, 75W90 for the transmission. Same thing I've done since I've owned the bike.

Bike now has approximately 17,000 miles on it.

When it idles now, and during acceleration, I can hear what I would best describe as a whine from somewhere in the motor. Closest comparison would be the gear drive in my 2006 Deuce TC88. My Ultra is a bone-stock 96, 6-speed, 2007.

During the trip, my speed never exceeded 80 miles per hour. This noise is not the transmission noises common to these 6-speeds. I know it's not a wheel bearing or drive belt because the engine makes the noise when the bike is parked & at idle. At higher speeds, I can't hear it because of the exhaust. (Rhinehart slip-ons).

Any thoughts? Clutch plates don't need to be changed yet, do they? My clutch cable operation is good and firm. I notice it's a bit easier than when I first left for the trip, but it engages & disengages completely - no rev issues upon release.

Thanks in advance.

Cannon

 

Could it possibly be that the primary chain tension is not correct....That will cause a whine at idle.

 

Well I have the same noise on my 09 SG and it is the primary. I think it is too loud, but I had two Harley mechanics look it, one while it was on the dyno and they both said "NORMAL". I'm not sure what can go wrong with the 96 primary since the tensioner is self adjusting, but it is a lot louder than my 02 Road King.

Beary

 

5,500 km. Is that like to the Dairy Queen and back?

 

That would be my first guess too.