I have a 2003 deuce it make this very loud noise from primary area either at idle or riding. When i put it into gear from nutral then let out clutch the noise decreases then gets loud when in gear. Its that middle spot between letting out clutch when its less sound.
What could cause this sound I don't want a major problem while riding.

loose primary chain or sprockets? loose clutch? trans?
any help would be great.

 

Have you checked your primary chain tension? If not, that's the first place to start.

 

I had put a hayden self adjusting tentioner on a long time ago. maybe thats it.

any other ideas? just in case.

 

Not sure how many miles but at 40K and some serious abuse my primary chain has some loose and tight spots. I tried to measure it with dial calipers but I could not see it. I have the regular manual adjuster. I have enough run out between tight and loose that its uses the whole tolerance of the 5/8-3/4 chain slop. Needless to say my primary can be quite and within minutes gets real noisy. I though the inner primary bearing was bad but I could not fill any play there.

 

Inner clutch hub bearing/race?

 

So should I pull cover off look for loose chain ? whats best way to check bearings?