Hi, I'm new to the forum (and to Harley's in general althoug I've wrenched on sports bikes for a while) I have several problems I'm hoping to get some direction on. I have a 96 Dyna. I unfortunatly don't know a lot of history on the bike having only purchased it about 3 months ago. It has approximately 18,000 miles on it.

First Problem - Primary Drive Noise
- I'm getting an inconsistent noise from my primary drive area. It almost sounds like the chains hitting the case. I have a Jim's spring tensioner and my chain appears to be correctly tensioned. The noise comes and goes - sometimes getting quite bad. When I rev it up at an idle/stop it will usually go away. Weather, rpm's, etc. don't seem to impact it.

Second Problem - Transmission
Saturday I was out riding. Came to a stop light in second. The bike would not shift down to 1st. Shifted into 3rd (then 4th, then like a dumbass 5th) just fine - but would not down shift at all. After extensive monkeying around (rocking the bike, running it in 5th, and finally pushing it backwards while shut off) I was able to get the bike to appear to down shift to 3rd (it didn't "feel" like it had acutally shifted though.) Decided I was going to drive it home in 3rd. Got started and the bike locked for a second as I started to roll forward. Then there was a soft popping sound and I could down shift and up shift just fine. Rode the bike for the rest of the day with absolutely no problems. Never had any problems shifting before or since. . . . I've talked to a couple of friends and the most informative comment was "weird." Any ideas?

Third Problem - Clutch
In the "monkeying around" Saturday I appreard to screw my clutch. I now have moderate "slippage." When I get on it hard it is definetly slipping. . . . I did not think that I'd slipped it too much with the diagnosis on Saturday, never smelled hot, etc. I'd had it open about a month before (when replacing my Stator) and it looked fine. . . . Is it possible I cooked it that easy? Am I in for a new clutch - or should I try adjusting this one? Anything else I can do before buying a new one? Is it possible I glazed it? If so, can it be fixed? If it matters I'm running Harley Synthetic in my Primary Drive.

Fourth Item - Advice on Clutch
If I am out for a new clutch which one would you recomend? I have an SS Engine in the bike - with some mods (pipe SS intake, etc) so I think I'm running a little over stock horse power. My riding style is relatively agressive. . . . Also, what other parts should I look at replacing while I'm in there??? (I don't want to go back in again. . . Having just been in a month ago for the Stator.)

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

First Problem - Primary Drive Noise
If the chain is adjusted right, you may suspect the compensator nut of backing off. It would sound like you have a bad rod bearing if it was this.


Second Problem - Transmission
Adjust the clutch and make sure the primary oil is not over full

Third Problem - Clutch
Readjust the clutch, but this time do it when the bike is cold


Fourth Item - Advice on Clutch
The VPC clutch set up works well https://www.hdforums.com/m_69432/tm.htm

 

Hey TCSTD - thanks much!

quick update for anyone curious. I adjusted my clutch per my shop manual and the slipping has cleared up. that's a huge relief. . . (saved me a few bucks.)

Stupid question TCSTD - which nut is the compensator nut - on the clutch or up front on the sprocet? The noise you described sounds like what I might be having. . . although it's very intermitent at this point. (was doing it all the time - now quite rarely.)

Although I don't need a new clutch right now - I'm still curious bout the VPC clutch. I read the link you sent me on it - but don't really understand how it works. (It looks totally different than the stock or other after-market clutches I've seen.) Is there any other good sources/links for infor on it?

Thanks again for the help.

 

The comp nut is on the engine sprocket. I have seen the spring loaded tensioners allow the chain to whip and let the chain slap the inner chain housing. More so on engines with a radical cam. I would check the tension.

 

The compensator nut is on the front chain sprocket. There's proceedures for torquing it in the DIY section.

The VPC is a great unit, it gives you a light clutch handle and much more "grip" on the clutch than stock. Especially useful for big build motors. As RPM's increase the weights cause a centrifical action to lock up the clutch plates better than the stock clutch. Here's their web page... http://www.aim-tamachi.com/index02.html.

Hippo on the other link is the guy you want to deal with.