I just brought home my '10 Road Glide last night & after taking it for a little ride I noticed when I downshift to 1st there is a fingernails down a chalkboard / cat whining, high pitched squeal coming from the motor/trans ( not sure which ). Anyone.., anyone...?
Called the dealer & they said it's normal & not to expect it to get much quieter as it breaks in...? sounds like a Leer jet landing!


thx.....Dave

 

I had the same question last week on my Electra Glide. Some posts said it was the way 1st and 5th gears were manufactured. It sound like it is normal.

 

I thought they fixed the 5th w/helical cut gears.....

 

It's a harley ! They whine, they tick, they squeal, and they clatter. I think you'll find out its normal. Some make noises more than others.
Get you some pipes turn the radio up and ride...

 

When I am slowing down and downshifting mine sounds like an old 70's automatic transmission. Upshifting and cruising, including 5th gear its not there.

I don't like it. I didn't notice it until after the 1,000mi service. Maybe its the type of oil. It is topped off properly.

 

........... now, if it sounded like a Gulfstream, i'd be a little concerned, but ...

 

Yup, they do it. In 09 it was 1st AND 5th.

Its because that gear is a strait cut gear. In 2010 they changed 5th to a helical cut gear to get rid of the whine, but not 1st.

 

it sounds kinda neat,.... but not kinda Harley. My '07 didn't sound like that! same '96 & 6 spd....

 

lotsa whining sounds on the forum lately, sign of the times, I guess......

 

I like that sweet mechanical whining sound.