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Noise in lower end when idling

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rdf2457

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Mar 1, 2015
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2015 special
Has Been making clacking noise that sounds like it is coming from lower end when I let it idle but when I pull in the clutch it stops, clutch or compensater? Bike runs great should I be worried or take to dealer any ideas. Thought I read someone had a similar problem but could not find the th tread.
 
rdf2457 said:
2015 special
Has Been making clacking noise that sounds like it is coming from lower end when I let it idle but when I pull in the clutch it stops, clutch or compensater? Bike runs great should I be worried or take to dealer any ideas. Thought I read someone had a similar problem but could not find the th tread.
Click to expand...

I have done a little research on this. I was getting the same sound on mine when bike was at operating temp.
Here is the HD service bulletin that talks about this.
HD put out service bulletin M1304 for all 07 and later twin cams which states:
"When a motorcycle is at operating temperature and in neutral, a rattling sound may be heard on the right side coming from the area of the transmission side cover. This sound is normal and is referred to as neutral rattle. To verify the sound is neutral rattle, pull in the clutch lever and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. If the sound stops, it is neutral rattle. Neutral rattle is caused by the necessary backlash within the first gear pair."
I know a few guys that went with redline trans oil or Belray to help with the neutral rattle, good luck and keep us posted.
 
I have less than 200 miles on my 2015 SG. Went for a ride the other day during the hottest hours, and when I pulled into the garage, I noticed a loud metallic rattling sound coming from the primary area. I did notice that it went away when I pulled in the clutch lever. Came inside and did a search on the net, and found the "neutral rattle" topic on several websites. After trading in a 2006 RK with 30K miles on it, and never hearing anything that comes close to this noise, I am not real happy. I don't buy Harley's excuse for this noise either. I have owned more than 20 motorcycles over the past 40 years, and not one of them made a noise like this. If it is caused by "necessary backlash" it would seem to me that all motorcycle transmissions would do this. It sounds like when you vigorously shake a rattle can of spray paint, and is pretty loud. But, it has only done it this one time, and only after riding for half an hour in 93 degree heat. I am going to make an appt. and at least get this documented in case Moco finds a "necessary" solution later.
 
15SG said:
I have less than 200 miles on my 2015 SG. Went for a ride the other day during the hottest hours, and when I pulled into the garage, I noticed a loud metallic rattling sound coming from the primary area. I did notice that it went away when I pulled in the clutch lever. Came inside and did a search on the net, and found the "neutral rattle" topic on several websites. After trading in a 2006 RK with 30K miles on it, and never hearing anything that comes close to this noise, I am not real happy. I don't buy Harley's excuse for this noise either. I have owned more than 20 motorcycles over the past 40 years, and not one of them made a noise like this. If it is caused by "necessary backlash" it would seem to me that all motorcycle transmissions would do this. It sounds like when you vigorously shake a rattle can of spray paint, and is pretty loud. But, it has only done it this one time, and only after riding for half an hour in 93 degree heat. I am going to make an appt. and at least get this documented in case Moco finds a "necessary" solution later.
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The "Neutral Rattle" sound is predominate on the right side of the bike by the transmission cover. I use Mobile 1 75-90 LS gear oil and I virtually do not notice this sound.
15SG, you state your loud rattle can sound is from the primary area on the left side of the bike. Like you I have ridden bikes for 40 plus years and the sound you describe sounds indeed like a primary issue and not tranny noise. As you suggest I think it wise to have this documented. You state it's only happen once so maybe it was an anomaly and the issue is self resolved although I'm at a loss as to what would cause the sound I'm sure you'll keep an eye and ear on the issue and keep us up to date should you find a major problem.

Good Luck,

Blues
 
I put Red line heavy duty with shockproof but it is still there when in neutral, it does this anytime when warm but not cold. Neutral rattle huh, sounds like Moco's way to explain away problems. Quite embarrassing when you have people ask what is wrong. Will be taking to dealer so it is documented, knowing full well the answer I will get.ride it an let warranty cover if gets worse, spoiled the otherwise quite engine
 
Things we hear at the MoCo service dept: :confused: :rolleyes: :cool:
The Download will fix it.
That's normal.
We have to do the 1K, 5K, 10K or it voids your warranty.
I'll order those if you want, should be here tomorrow.
Can you leave it here all week, not sure when we can get to it.
 
Mojo its in the the service department employee training handbook. :D
He's out test riding it
They are washing it right now
Give us another 30 mins
While your waiting check out the new mechandise
Its still downloading
 
15SG said:
I have less than 200 miles on my 2015 SG. Went for a ride the other day during the hottest hours, and when I pulled into the garage, I noticed a loud metallic rattling sound coming from the primary area. I did notice that it went away when I pulled in the clutch lever. Came inside and did a search on the net, and found the "neutral rattle" topic on several websites. After trading in a 2006 RK with 30K miles on it, and never hearing anything that comes close to this noise, I am not real happy. I don't buy Harley's excuse for this noise either. I have owned more than 20 motorcycles over the past 40 years, and not one of them made a noise like this. If it is caused by "necessary backlash" it would seem to me that all motorcycle transmissions would do this. It sounds like when you vigorously shake a rattle can of spray paint, and is pretty loud. But, it has only done it this one time, and only after riding for half an hour in 93 degree heat. I am going to make an appt. and at least get this documented in case Moco finds a "necessary" solution later.
Click to expand...

I had same issue for 25,000 mi off and on compensator noise. I was running bell ray in primary switched back to formulu it helped to some with noise. I put Baker attitude primary adjusting shoe on noise is gone have 30,000 mi on bike 5,000 with shoe wish have done sooner.http://bakerdrivetrain.com/attitude-chain-adjuster
 
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Thanks to all for the information that has been provided. It sounds like my problem may be in the primary rather than the "neutral rattle" that others have experienced. It has been raining a lot here so I haven't had the opportunity to ride it since the other day. Will keep an ear out for the noise, and do plan to have the dealer check it. Just kind of takes some of the enjoyment of buying a new bike that I have always wanted. Especially one that costs as much as many new small cars out there today. LOL
 
I removed the primary cover today to investigate. Whatever it is, it's not hitting the cover. I checked the compensator nut for tightness. It was. I removed the Hayden auto tensioner and re installed the stock tensioner. I noticed the Hayden shoe had deep inprints from the chain. Got everything back together and put HD Formula + oil in. I was using Bel Ray Primary oil. So finally, I got out to do the test ride. I noticed the knocking sound have lessened a lot. Now, the only time it knocks is when at idle when my rpm dips a little. Im thinking about increasing the idle rpm a little. But I can live with it now. As long as EITMS is disabled, I don't think it will knock a lot.
 
I use the Bel Ray in my chain case and have not heard any strange sounds from mine (knock, knock on chrome plated cast iron! :cool:).
 
After a long ride today, I am satisfied with my work yesterday. My bike hardly made any knocking noise. I would say the problem was the Hayden auto tensioner. I am going back to the Bel Ray primary oil on my next oil change.
 
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