2007 FLHTC with about 11K miles on it. This may sound stupid...but Ill try and describe the noise as best I can. Appears to be coming from the left side rear axle....its a cyclic, rubbing noise, very similar to the noise your bicycle made when you were a kid, and the brakes were off center and everytime the wheel came around it would rub the bad and make a "howl" noise. Seems apparent at all speeds, does not change with application of the rear brake. No unusual vibrations as best I can tell. Question: Would a wheel bearing make that kind of noise?????? Wont get it on the lift till morning...but looking for some ideas.

 

Wheel bearing. Yes. That's exactly what you seem to be describing.

 

if your bike has had ids added it may be the ids bearing as well.

 

I would rule out drive belt, underfender wiring or too long a bolt being rubbed against.

 

Try using some belt dressing on your drive belt. Mine makes a noise similar to what you are describing and after I apply the belt dressing the noise disappears for a while. I don't hear the noise at low speeds (that doesn't mean it's not there) but at around 40-50 mph and up it's noticeable. It's not real loud but I hear it. I really don't know what that's telling me-may be the belt or a pulley.

I've had all new bearings installed, new tire and rim, and I replaced the rubber isolator. I still have the noise.

Have you checked the tension on your belt? I'm gonna do that next. It feels a little loose but I haven't put the gauge on it yet.

bigdumbnoitall00 may have a good idea with the ids bearing. I hadn't thought of that.

I don't know if we have the same problem but mine has been hanging around for about 40k miles or longer and besides being a little aggravating, it doesn't appear to be getting any worse. I would like to get rid of the noise, however.

 

How can I determine if it has an ids system. Not familiar with that.

 

It's a ring of rubber pads that transfer the power from the rear drive pulley to the rear wheel. It's there to reduce or eliminate "mechanical noise and vibration caused by the engine's torque pulses".

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...m-sprocket-kit


It is standard on 08 and up touring bikes but for the 07 it is an add on.