New and expertise required

[Gypsy1]

Hi Everyone, I posted this on the Introduction page and I'm not sure if everyone checks it out so if you read it once.....thanks for reading it again!!

Greetings from Tanzania, east Africa, I am new to the site and first time owner of a trike (HD Tri_glide 2012) and it’s been almost 20 years since I was riding a Harley steady. (Been in unfriendly places) I am an American but work overseas. There are only about 5 other bikers in Tanzania and NO Harley dealers so we just try to share our limited mechanical knowledge. I will say one thing riding through the country is remarkable. Roads are good but not great. Its common to pass a giraffe or two and unlike most people believe that all of Africa is hot, Tanzania has the largest Mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro (same as a good beer name). So I do have to throw on some leather sometime.

Down to business; I have a noise (rattle more or less) it’s hard to describe. Coming from the primary chain case. ( I think) I would assume that the primary chain is loose. Especially as I downshift it is more noticeable. In the old days I remember there was a small section that you could unscrew and look inside then it had a tension screw. Reviewing my manual I do not find this option and it states the trike has an automatic tensioner? so this means it can’t be adjusted or its another problem? I seek all advice. Sorry about the loose description. There are a lot of bumps and poor roads in the city so maybe something vibrated loose. Pleasure to be part of the site and willing to hear from anyone about anything!!!! Sorry for the lengthy thread.

[cscsonny]

Sorry I can't help with your problem.Mine was the old style you mention.I'll bet if msocko3 jumps in here he could help.
Sure would like to see some photos of you going down the road passing wild animals though.Do they bite?

[Gorilla]

Gypsy1, Yes the primary chain has an auto adjuster. You have to remove the outer primary cover to get a look at it. That's not a big deal. Might have come loose but I doubt it. It is held in place by 2 bolts. You need to collapse it then hold it that way with a plastic tie wrap before you remove it. No need to remove it unless you see something wrong. May I suggest that you get a service manual. In your situation it will be a great asset.

[Bruce]

Gypsy1 -- try taking off in 1st gear,( run it up to about 30 - 35mph without shifting into 2nd ) let off the throttle and let the trike slow down until it almost starts to stall ( do not use the brakes ) pull the clutch in -- do this a couple of times -- it will automatically adjust your primary chain -- you might want to try this before pulling of the primary cover -- it always worked on my 10 Tri-glide.

[Trent]

Welcome aboard Gypsy1...I am no mechanic, and would not attempt to help...but I have been to Tanzania! Watch out for those huge crocodiles when ridin' that TG around there. I saw some monsters!!!

[msocko3]

Hi Everyone, I posted this on the Introduction page and I'm not sure if everyone checks it out so if you read it once.....thanks for reading it again!!

Greetings from Tanzania, east Africa, I am new to the site and first time owner of a trike (HD Tri_glide 2012) and it’s been almost 20 years since I was riding a Harley steady. (Been in unfriendly places) I am an American but work overseas. There are only about 5 other bikers in Tanzania and NO Harley dealers so we just try to share our limited mechanical knowledge. I will say one thing riding through the country is remarkable. Roads are good but not great. Its common to pass a giraffe or two and unlike most people believe that all of Africa is hot, Tanzania has the largest Mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro (same as a good beer name). So I do have to throw on some leather sometime.

Down to business; I have a noise (rattle more or less) it’s hard to describe. Coming from the primary chain case. ( I think) I would assume that the primary chain is loose. Especially as I downshift it is more noticeable. In the old days I remember there was a small section that you could unscrew and look inside then it had a tension screw. Reviewing my manual I do not find this option and it states the trike has an automatic tensioner? so this means it can’t be adjusted or its another problem? I seek all advice. Sorry about the loose description. There are a lot of bumps and poor roads in the city so maybe something vibrated loose. Pleasure to be part of the site and willing to hear from anyone about anything!!!! Sorry for the lengthy thread.

Do you get any clacking or a clunk noise when you shut the engine off when its warm?

[captdanwh]

I do not know how many miles you have on your trike but if you are near 40,000 I would probably think your compensator is about to give out on you. Harley says that is about what you can expect from a trike as far as mileage on the compensator.

[Gypsy1]

Thanks for the welcomes and all the advice. Sorry for the delay in replying but hey internet comes and goes here with the wind. I’ll try the advice from Bruce before I open her up. The Trike only has 7000 miles.

Msocko, I haven’t noticed but will pay attention next time but don’t think so.

Hey Trent, been doing well with the crocs who move better than the drivers here.

I just bought a helmet cam that takes pics and video so I’ll see what I can do about some safari pics

take care for now. FYI for you military or former military I am a retired Marine