chatter/whine

Road King 99 · #1 08-09-2009, 06:09 PM

I have a 99 Road King 88cu.
It has developed a "chatter/whine" when it's under a load.
Seems to be most noticeable in 1st to 3rd gears.
If I "goose" it the noise is louder.
If I pull the clutch lever in, no noise. If I am coasting or cruising, no noise.
Reving while in neutral, no noise.

I have had belt noise before and this sounds different. Not that it could not be a belt issue but I odn't think so. I did just install a new belt and pulley last year and have had the belt adjusted since then.

I would appreciate any advice that would help me isolate.
Thanks in advance.

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rbabos · #2 08-09-2009, 06:16 PM

Sounds like in the primary somewhere. Could be chain adjustment or compensator issue.
Ron

sqdealgeorge · #3 08-09-2009, 07:10 PM

Cam chain adjuster ?

dawg · #4 08-09-2009, 08:24 PM

I concur that it sounds like it's in the primary. When have you last checked/adjust the chain tension or do you have an auto tensioner installed?

Road King 99 · #5 08-09-2009, 10:00 PM

Thanks for the quick response guys.
I just registered on this site today and it looks like it was a good decision.

I adjusted the clutch pack and checked the primary chain yesterday.
It looked like about 3/8ths of play. That's a little tight per specs but it's hard to get a good measurement through the inspection hole and I'm not to the point of wanting to pull the primary cover yet.

The adjuster is not automatic. It's the manual shoe type. It also does not look worn but the bike does have 130K plus miles.