07 tranny probs?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 862
Likes: 1
From: Western PA
RE: 07 tranny probs?
I keep reading these posts about the 07's. Mine is a flhtcu with 2000 miles. My third flh. When I read a post that talks about mechanical failure THEN I might be concerned. I love my new Ultra!!!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
RE: 07 tranny probs?
I have changed my trans fluid 5 times since new (now at 6600 miles) the last time with Amsoil 85W140 extreme gear lube, I have done a proper clutch adj. as per the service manual, I have had the exhaust shields readjusted twice and still the same clatter in 6'th when coasting from 55 to 68 MPH and can hear it all the way up to about 74 but wind tends to drown it out. Talked to Cindy again at H-D customer service and for life of me have never talked to anyone with the potential to **** me off worse than her. When I told her this time that if I follow her shift points I would not be able to operate the bike in the state of PA because the speed limit here is 65 MPH she said just because the bike has a sixth gear it doen't mean I have to use it. She said the problem they are having is everyone want to use 6'th gear. This is the most preposterous statment I have ever heard, and coming from a representative of a large company it is even harder to take.
Good news is around the bend though, I talked to Baker Transmissions today and they are fully aware of the dificulties of the new trans design. They would not say exactly what they have found but said they are looking at a number of fixes for our problems. I kept talking and found that certain parts have what they believe to be tolerances that are too large, he did not say for sure but did mention shift drum. If this is the case the shift drum would be a good candidate for the clatter I hear as far as I can tell from studying the trans in the service manual. The noise absolutly has to go as far as I am concirned but if excessve shift drum are the problem at least it is not a strong candidate internal damage. So will Harley step up? This is my first Harley after being away for 25 years---may be my last---I hate being talked to like an idiot by someone who knows a fraction of what I know about things mechanical.
Good news is around the bend though, I talked to Baker Transmissions today and they are fully aware of the dificulties of the new trans design. They would not say exactly what they have found but said they are looking at a number of fixes for our problems. I kept talking and found that certain parts have what they believe to be tolerances that are too large, he did not say for sure but did mention shift drum. If this is the case the shift drum would be a good candidate for the clatter I hear as far as I can tell from studying the trans in the service manual. The noise absolutly has to go as far as I am concirned but if excessve shift drum are the problem at least it is not a strong candidate internal damage. So will Harley step up? This is my first Harley after being away for 25 years---may be my last---I hate being talked to like an idiot by someone who knows a fraction of what I know about things mechanical.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
RE: 07 tranny probs?
My 07 SG has the problem in 5th and 6th. Sounds like to top end is about to come off.
I hate to think I spent that much money on a Harley to buy something that sounds like a $50 bike. By the way I debated for a month on a Harley of Metric bike. I bought the Harley because of looks, sound and the fact that some of my friends have them and theirs sound and run fine. I buy the new one and just like my luck I get one with a problem.
I hate to think I spent that much money on a Harley to buy something that sounds like a $50 bike. By the way I debated for a month on a Harley of Metric bike. I bought the Harley because of looks, sound and the fact that some of my friends have them and theirs sound and run fine. I buy the new one and just like my luck I get one with a problem.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 6
From:
RE: 07 tranny probs?
Sorry, but all your trans. stuff will never cure the clatter cause its coming from the compensator not the trans, only 5th gear whine is in the trans. read october copy of thunder press (free at all cycle shops) for the complete breakdown on the compensator and clatter noise.
ORIGINAL: waltr
I have changed my trans fluid 5 times since new (now at 6600 miles) the last time with Amsoil 85W140 extreme gear lube, I have done a proper clutch adj. as per the service manual, I have had the exhaust shields readjusted twice and still the same clatter in 6'th when coasting from 55 to 68 MPH and can hear it all the way up to about 74 but wind tends to drown it out. Talked to Cindy again at H-D customer service and for life of me have never talked to anyone with the potential to **** me off worse than her. When I told her this time that if I follow her shift points I would not be able to operate the bike in the state of PA because the speed limit here is 65 MPH she said just because the bike has a sixth gear it doen't mean I have to use it. She said the problem they are having is everyone want to use 6'th gear. This is the most preposterous statment I have ever heard, and coming from a representative of a large company it is even harder to take.
Good news is around the bend though, I talked to Baker Transmissions today and they are fully aware of the dificulties of the new trans design. They would not say exactly what they have found but said they are looking at a number of fixes for our problems. I kept talking and found that certain parts have what they believe to be tolerances that are too large, he did not say for sure but did mention shift drum. If this is the case the shift drum would be a good candidate for the clatter I hear as far as I can tell from studying the trans in the service manual. The noise absolutly has to go as far as I am concirned but if excessve shift drum are the problem at least it is not a strong candidate internal damage. So will Harley step up? This is my first Harley after being away for 25 years---may be my last---I hate being talked to like an idiot by someone who knows a fraction of what I know about things mechanical.
I have changed my trans fluid 5 times since new (now at 6600 miles) the last time with Amsoil 85W140 extreme gear lube, I have done a proper clutch adj. as per the service manual, I have had the exhaust shields readjusted twice and still the same clatter in 6'th when coasting from 55 to 68 MPH and can hear it all the way up to about 74 but wind tends to drown it out. Talked to Cindy again at H-D customer service and for life of me have never talked to anyone with the potential to **** me off worse than her. When I told her this time that if I follow her shift points I would not be able to operate the bike in the state of PA because the speed limit here is 65 MPH she said just because the bike has a sixth gear it doen't mean I have to use it. She said the problem they are having is everyone want to use 6'th gear. This is the most preposterous statment I have ever heard, and coming from a representative of a large company it is even harder to take.
Good news is around the bend though, I talked to Baker Transmissions today and they are fully aware of the dificulties of the new trans design. They would not say exactly what they have found but said they are looking at a number of fixes for our problems. I kept talking and found that certain parts have what they believe to be tolerances that are too large, he did not say for sure but did mention shift drum. If this is the case the shift drum would be a good candidate for the clatter I hear as far as I can tell from studying the trans in the service manual. The noise absolutly has to go as far as I am concirned but if excessve shift drum are the problem at least it is not a strong candidate internal damage. So will Harley step up? This is my first Harley after being away for 25 years---may be my last---I hate being talked to like an idiot by someone who knows a fraction of what I know about things mechanical.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
RE: 07 tranny probs?
Gunrunner, did you read the article you posted on the compensator? Nowhere in there does it say 6'th gear rattle is caused by the compensator. By design the compensator is a very unlikley candidate for the noise because as many have stated the sound is caused only at cruise or part throttle conditions. The compensater will always be more likely to act up when it is actually being asked to do its job, ie: smoothing heavy power pulses. I have had a compensator go and it was more likely to act up in lower gears when "getting on it." The shift drum on the other hand seems to be a very likely candidate because it is made to reference the complete gear cluster and the total tolerances of the complete assey. comes into play when shifting into 6'th gear. It seems possible that the culmination of a number of factors of tolerances a assembly could affect the contact the drum has with the shift forks therefore some make the noise, some don't.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 6
From:
RE: 07 tranny probs?
Yes I read it and it makes sence to me, the compensator in the 07 is not the compensator in older models its a completly new desgn, The compensator will be the culprit Im sure of it, but thats my opinion, others will differ Im sure, but if it was the transmission tolerances as someone stated, then why is the clatter limited to a few units compared with units sold? and how do you account for the noise being gone after the Compensator on some 07's was re-torqued? I feel if it was in the trans, everybody riding a 07 with this trans would have the same noise and its just not that way, its mostly limited to larger touring bikes. Also you speak of 6th, most every person who has the noise says its more in 5th, and 5th and 6th are totally different, 6th being a direct drive 1to1 ratio.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 2
From:
RE: 07 tranny probs?
ORIGINAL: waltr
... It seems possible that the culmination of a number of factors of tolerances a assembly could affect ..."
... It seems possible that the culmination of a number of factors of tolerances a assembly could affect ..."
I keep thinking that folks who continue to have problems should be making life miserable for their favorite service managers. While venting here may make you feel better, it sure as hell ain't gonna get your scoot fixed.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
RE: 07 tranny probs?
Gunnruner - you said
"Also you speak of 6th, most every person who has the noise says its more in 5th, and 5th and 6th are totally different, 6th being a direct drive 1to1 ratio."
Actually people are talking about the whine in 5th and the clattering in 6th. Mine clatters in 4th, 5th and 6th, but worse in 6th. Factory rep will be coming in a couple of weeks to check it out. Want to bet on what he says. Cindy is definitely a pain and just spouts off. Told her that I cannot believe HD made such a piece of crap as this tranny.
My salesman told me today that HD came out with a bulletin about the trans and that the noise is normal. Bull.
Have 07 FLHT. Had 06 FLHT until accident. Liked the 06 tranny better, but the 96 engine better on the 07.
"Also you speak of 6th, most every person who has the noise says its more in 5th, and 5th and 6th are totally different, 6th being a direct drive 1to1 ratio."
Actually people are talking about the whine in 5th and the clattering in 6th. Mine clatters in 4th, 5th and 6th, but worse in 6th. Factory rep will be coming in a couple of weeks to check it out. Want to bet on what he says. Cindy is definitely a pain and just spouts off. Told her that I cannot believe HD made such a piece of crap as this tranny.
My salesman told me today that HD came out with a bulletin about the trans and that the noise is normal. Bull.
Have 07 FLHT. Had 06 FLHT until accident. Liked the 06 tranny better, but the 96 engine better on the 07.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 4
From:
RE: 07 tranny probs?
Hey Len,I was also told this by factory tech as well,venting here does help but more important it lets the others know what to expect.Your dealer can not do anything yet--period--.If its this loud now,just think what it will sound like down the road.I didnt pay this kind of $ to be told live w/it while other bikes are quiet.Take my noisey build and at least replace it w/a silent one.Change the trans or motor or both or primary.Do something besides tell me its normal,trying different oils,telling me that it cant be heard,your lugging motor,keep rpms up beyond what owners manual speeds states,it will go away by 1000 mile ck,that yours is the only one w/the noise.I have spent the 1st month of ownership trying to correct this bike,hd has refused to buy it back,extend my warranty,tell me a fix is coming.I have paid out of my own pocket to have things checked by another dealer just to make sure it was documented.You have no idea what some of us are going threw.My dealer has told me he is sorry that Im not happy w/this bike-well thats not good enough.I am not going to take a loss trading in or putting bike on consignment.This bike shouldnt be resold to someone else unexpecting.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 07 tranny probs?
Try this fix, no guarantee on this one. Make sure bike is at room Temperature.
1. Do a major clutch adjustment by the book
2. Change transmission oil to castrol 80/90 fully syn.
3. Pull primary cover and move the auto chain tensioner up one or two notches.
4. Fill primary with 20/50 am soil, or the new primary oil from Harley(prefered}.
5. Road test motorcycle noise will be gone.
1. Do a major clutch adjustment by the book
2. Change transmission oil to castrol 80/90 fully syn.
3. Pull primary cover and move the auto chain tensioner up one or two notches.
4. Fill primary with 20/50 am soil, or the new primary oil from Harley(prefered}.
5. Road test motorcycle noise will be gone.