Tranny problem or just broke in?

[HoppR]

I have 5k miles on my Freewheeler. The tranny has been loud these last few hundred miles.

3rd gear whines down like first gear does.

When I let off of the throttle in say 6th gear, there is a play before the tranny catches and it makes a slapping/tapping sound when it does. Same thing when I apply the throttle. 6th also makes a subtle whistling noise and I can hear gear(s) whirling away. If it were a car, I'd say the u-joints are broken. That's what it sounds & feel like.

Being a newbie, I'm not sure if this is normal or something is broken. What do you think?

[Springman2007]

I have 5k miles on my Freewheeler. The tranny has been loud these last few hundred miles.

3rd gear whines down like first gear does.

When I let off of the throttle in say 6th gear, there is a play before the tranny catches and it makes a slapping/tapping sound when it does. Same thing when I apply the throttle. 6th also makes a subtle whistling noise and I can hear gear(s) whirling away. If it were a car, I'd say the u-joints are broken. That's what it sounds & feel like.

Being a newbie, I'm not sure if this is normal or something is broken. What do you think?

I think it would be prudent to take her in for a check......

Never hurts.

Springman

[DK Custom Products]

I agree, I would take it in....But before that, check the dip stick on the trans oil. It is not unheard of the for the dealership to give a Customer a bike with no oil in the transmission.

The slack you feel when letting up on the throttle could be a compensator going bad also.

Kevin

[HoppR]

I agree, I would take it in....But before that, check the dip stick on the trans oil. It is not unheard of the for the dealership to give a Customer a bike with no oil in the transmission.

The slack you feel when letting up on the throttle could be a compensator going bad also.

Kevin

I hear you on the no oil.

[msocko3]

The slack you feel when letting up on the throttle could be a compensator going bad also.

Kevin

Harley still hasn't solved the poorly designed compensator, they still seem to die and early death.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

With 5K, did you recently do a 5k service ... if so did you go to syn3 ... if so the tranny and engine will sound different with syn3 ... slightly more gear noise

[headheaded]

sounds like the primary chain has some slack in it after breakin in. run it up in 2nd or 3rd gear and then snap the throttle close a couple of times and the chain tensonior may tighten up a notch.

[msocko3]

sounds like the primary chain has some slack in it after breakin in. run it up in 2nd or 3rd gear and then snap the throttle close a couple of times and the chain tensonior may tighten up a notch.

Or it could tighten to banjo string tight which will kill either the clutch hub bearing, transmission main shaft bearing, or possibly the left side crankshaft bearing. IMO one of the goofiest things Harley did was go to an auto tensioner that ratchets up and won't back off without pulling the outer primary apart and removing the tensioner to reset it.

If he is hearing clacking coming from the primary, its the compensator. They will clack real easy on a trike due to all the mass.

[screwball]

YOU ARE UNDER WARRANTY, let them fool with it. You need in writing that you told them of a potential problem. Don't kill your warranty by fooling with it.

Good Luck

[HoppR]

With 5K, did you recently do a 5k service ... if so did you go to syn3 ... if so the tranny and engine will sound different with syn3 ... slightly more gear noise

Just rolled 5k and will mention the symptoms when I get the service done.*

[missedem]

Or it could tighten to banjo string tight which will kill either the clutch hub bearing, transmission main shaft bearing, or possibly the left side crankshaft bearing. IMO one of the goofiest things Harley did was go to an auto tensioner that ratchets up and won't back off without pulling the outer primary apart and removing the tensioner to reset it.

If he is hearing clacking coming from the primary, its the compensator. They will clack real easy on a trike due to all the mass.

When I can afford it im going back to the hayden primary chain adj. unit. some like them, some hate them. I loved mine. Smooth shifting. Could always find neutral and no over tightening. Really smoothed things out. Im sold on them. YMMV....

[headheaded]

get the baker attitude manual adjuster, set it and forget it.