Primary whirring noise
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I think it is normal and originates from the auto chain tensioner. I put one of these on my 1996 RK Evo when they first came out as an accessory (probably around 2004), and that's when the whirring started. My '07 SG has had the whirring since new (now at 47k) and hasn't gotten worse. When I had a tranny bearing go bad 18 months ago at 25k miles the tech had the primary completely disassembled and proclaimed everything in good working order, so we replaced nothing (except the tranny bearing). Oh, and I did upgrade to the SE compensator at that time based on good reviews and the opportunity I was given to do so (no additional labor).
Mine whines hot, cold, and with or without the clutch engaged--so I know the noise doesn't originate with the primary mainshaft bearing. I hear many other bikes whine, but some don't. A friend's 2010 SG is very quiet, so I can't explain that unless they changed something in the interim. They did change the auto tensioner design a year or two ago, so maybe that's it. My tech advised that I go through the primary at 60k based on what he's seen from other bikes, probably a good time for a new chain, tensioner pad, stator, and maybe clutch disks. I may even replace the old tensioner with the new design at that time. Has anyone done this and noticed a difference?
Mine whines hot, cold, and with or without the clutch engaged--so I know the noise doesn't originate with the primary mainshaft bearing. I hear many other bikes whine, but some don't. A friend's 2010 SG is very quiet, so I can't explain that unless they changed something in the interim. They did change the auto tensioner design a year or two ago, so maybe that's it. My tech advised that I go through the primary at 60k based on what he's seen from other bikes, probably a good time for a new chain, tensioner pad, stator, and maybe clutch disks. I may even replace the old tensioner with the new design at that time. Has anyone done this and noticed a difference?
Last edited by iclick; May 23, 2011 at 12:07 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
I just went through this with my 08 Ultra. I had a SE compensator installed along with a heavier spring for my clutch. After 100 miles I started hearing a whirring noise coming from the compensator area. Took it back and the head mechanic said it was the new adjusting spring and until it gets worn in I was going to have that noise. Well a week later (350 miles) a major noise started on the way home. I nursed it to the dealer pissed because of all the work needed this spring because of a leak. All extended warranty but still. Anyway what they found was the nut holding the compensator had back off. They replaced more parts just in case and I'm back on the road. Now if mother nature would let me ride. I asked if the whirring could have been a sign that the nut had back off, but no response.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: ohio
my has the same whirring noise
i was actually about to make a post about it
its my first harley and i didnt know if it was normal or not.
still thinking about taking into the dealer to make sure.
but if its a semi normal thing i may just let it go.
i was actually about to make a post about it
its my first harley and i didnt know if it was normal or not.
still thinking about taking into the dealer to make sure.
but if its a semi normal thing i may just let it go.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Whirring noise could be a lot of different things. Ill add my 2 cents. My old 98 Ultra developed a loud "Whir" from the primary. I could not figure it out so off to the stealer I went. It was a crack in the plastic\nylon chain tensioner. Easy fix if I had been able to diagnose it myself but instead it was an hour labor at Harley. So check for cracks on the tensioner, hope its something simple for you. Mine did it cold also so maybe youve got something else.
Last edited by renlan; May 23, 2011 at 12:30 PM.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Chandler, AZ
I have a 2008 FXSTC and, for the last 1000 miles or so (30,000 on bike), I hear a 'whirring' sound sometimes right behind the derby cover with the clutch lever pulled in. Anyone have a clue? ........sorry, wrong forum - reposted in Softails.......
Last edited by DoctorDee; Sep 30, 2012 at 09:03 PM. Reason: wrong forum
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