The bike is a 86' FXWG, groaning sound only happens when letting out the clutch in 1st gear, it also lunges forward. If I continue to ride it, it seems to go away. Very hit or miss because I've had days where its happened two or three times. Then some days not at all. I adjusted the primary chain because it was loose once. that didn't stop it. I also adjusted the clutch as well. that didn't do any good either... I thought maybe Its possible the compensator isn't working properly causing the noise. I'll get into it tonight and go over the whole primary. Any other ideas?

 

Kinda sounds like the clutch is grabbing. Maybe you have no clutch material left on the plates?

 

Pull your clutch plates out and have a look. Sounds like they probably need to be cleaned.

 

Your primary is haunted, you need to perform an exorcism....

 

I haven't a clue what would cause this but.. Please share when you figure it out. Thanks.

 

I gotta agree with the Doc.
It sounds like clutch plates to me.

 

Does it do it with the clutch out, or just as you are realeasing it? Could be the clutch bearing if it quits when the clutch is out.

 

before I pulled it apart, I took just one more look at the clutch and realized I had installed the adjuster plate bolts on the "c" (lowest setting) so I moved it to setting "a" and took a 20 mile test ride. Seems perfect, but like I had said before, it was hit or miss sometimes. So I'll take it out later today and test it again. If this isn't it, I'll proceed to taking the primary completely apart again. Figured it was worth a shot at double checking the clutch before I go taking everything out. I'll let ya'll know what I find out.

 

to answer the last above question...yes it only does it when I release the clutch. I didn't get a chance for another test ride this afternoon. Tomorrow, weather permitting I'll give it another shot. I have heard the groaning sound a few times when I've kickstarted the bike too. You might be on to something about a bad bearing. I'll let ya'll know tomorrow. thanks for all the replys.

 

Resurrecting an old old thread! Noticed my 14 FLHTK doing exactly same thing, and this thread showed after a search... Wondered what you ultimately found..