Today I was riding and noticed when I downshift there is a whining sound which seems to be coming from the primary and or gear box. Havent noticed the noise before but I usually have something over my ears and today I didnt. Wondering is this normal or is this something that I should check into before all comes apart? Had my rear wheel off about a week ago dont think I have the belt to tight but could this cause the noise?

 

Actually sounds like you might have too much slack in the belt. My '97 does this if I don't have it really close to spec. Let me ask you this: When you're cruising around 45mph, approaching an upcoming intersection where cars are starting to slow down, and you just let off the gas (no clutch, no downshift), do you hear the high pitched whine for a second? If so, you probably have too much slack. I don't have my manual in front of me, but I believe with the bike resting on its own weight, it should take 10 lbs of force to move the center of the belt up 1/2". Harley sells a neat little gauge for this, but it's not necessary. Check your manual to make sure those numbers are right.

 

Thanks Rocketman for your quick response. After reading your post I rechecked the belt tension and everything checked ok. Pulled the primary inspection cover and checked primary chain everthing ok there to. Seems the noise is most noticeable in 4th gear when letting off the gas when slowing down. Is noticable in 2nd and 3rd just not as loud. Noise goes away when you pull the clutch in. Everything I have checked is per manual specs. Leaving this weekend on a three day trip with my son and hoping this is not something major. Anyway thanks again.

 

Another thing you might want to check is the rubber muffler hanger bushings under the saddlebags. Some people claim they can cause a similar noise. Just shoot some WD40 on them and see if it helps. Might want to inspect the motor mounts as well.

 

If its a quick chirp its a loose belt. If its a long decelling whine like when you drop into 1st just not as loud its a normal sound. I would start with the rear wheel install though, make sure everything is A OK there!

 

hey tricken I know exactly what your dealing with because my 08 road glide started doing the same exact thing all of a sudden about a month ago. Every one thinks it's normal but it's not. I'm really not sure what is causing it, I will keep you in mind if I learn something.

 

Ronstopable, well mine didnt make it very long until I had to tear it down. With some awesome info from hogdoc I was able to pinpoint my prob. Hope your turns out better than mine did. Ended up being the inner needle bearing on the mainshaft gear and had to do a total teardown of the tranny. Had to replace all the mainshaft bearings and one gear. You might shoot hogdoc a pm with some info and see if he can help you. He was right on with the info about mine. Thanks again Hogdoc.