'99 Road King chain noise

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Jul 23, 2014 | 09:20 AM

troverman

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From: NH

'99 Road King chain noise

I have 28k on my Road King, and within the last week or two I have been hearing a new noise, sounds kind of like a noisy chain. Can't seem to place it. It is most noticeable at road speeds, almost not noticeable at idle. If I'm going 50, get off the throttle and pull in the clutch, no noise. Parked in neutral, if I rev the engine I can hear the sound.

3k miles ago (in May) I 'inspected' the cam chain tensioners, or at least the outer one. It really didn't have much wear - at least 3/4 of the plastic was still there. Couldn't really see the inner tensioner.

So if its not the cam chains, could it be the primary chain? Are these adjustable or automatically tensioned? Recently replaced the fluid with synthetic. Just don't want to wreck the motor, it runs great.

Thanks

Jul 23, 2014 | 09:47 AM

Pumba11

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From: Twin Cities, MN

I had a similar sound with my RK. My primary chain compensator had lossened up. It wasn't bad like on many of the newer model bikes it was just loose.

I followed the manual and tighened it to factory specs and it has been fine since.

Jul 23, 2014 | 10:11 AM

troverman

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From: NH

Pumba, did you need to remove the whole chaincase cover or just the derby cover to make the adjustment?

Nice bike, by the way.

Jul 23, 2014 | 02:21 PM

Pumba11

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From: Twin Cities, MN

Thanks on the bike. She is old but a super fantastic runner.

You have to remove the primary cover. The compensator is the gear at the front of the primary chain. Requires a special "chain block" and a large high number torque wrench. I think it is like 165 foot lbs or something like that. Not hard to do, just takes some time. Oh yes, and some red Locktite.

Jul 23, 2014 | 02:30 PM

troverman

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From: NH

Thanks for the info. I see you live in the Twin Cities - I'm in NH now, but I used to live up north of Duluth in Hibbing. Happy riding.

Jul 23, 2014 | 03:20 PM

Pumba11

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From: Twin Cities, MN

Nice riding in the Hibbing area.

NH, now that is on my list to ride. You recommend it?

Jul 24, 2014 | 06:15 AM

troverman

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From: NH

NH, especially northern NH in the "white mountains" area, has some incredible riding. But if you're in NH you need to ride VT as well, probably overall better riding...roads in better condition, more curvy roads running alongside small rivers, etc. Very nice, I would recommend. Of course, we have Laconia / Weirs Beach bike week at the end of June every year, if you're into that thing. Thousands of bikes, vendors, food, etc. Kind of like a mini-Sturgis.