Hi everyone - I desperately need your help.
I hve recently bought a 07 Nigt Rod and got a puncture in my rear tyre. Thats when the broblem started.
I had the tyre replaced but soon after this I got weird grinding noise and vibration in my footpegs. I went back to the dealer thinking that they didn't balace the wheel and there is something worng with the rear brake. It turned out however that the problem was damaged bearings on the pulley. I had it replaced, wheel balanced and belt adjusted. But the noise came back. I went back to the dealer but they couldn't find anything. I tried cleaning the belt and spraying it with silicon but it didn't help either. The noise is most distinct at short rides 10-3- miles, and at the low speeds 10-25mph, especially while downshifting or coasting. Is it normal? am I getting mad? or is it a real problem?
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

I am having the exact same problem with my 97 sportster and am also trying to figure it out.

I am going to check the primary chain to see if it's possibly the problem but I am not sure yet.

All I know is that having to take the thing in to the dealer for repairs could be very expensive.

 

Check the rear wheel alignment. Measure the center distance of the rear axle on both sides to a central referencepoint (same point for both sides)on the front of the swing arm. Both measurements should be exactly the same. If not the wheel is cocked in there at an angle and needs to be alinged so both measurements are equal.Jack the rear wheel off the ground. Put the trans in neutral and rotate the rear wheel looking at it from the rear see if it has any visible wobble or if you hear the grinding. Did they change your rear wheel bearings? Double check the belt and see if it is seated all the way in the pulley or if there is any signs of abrasion on the sides. Check the belt tension as well.

If the wheel is out of alignment and has been ridden that way, one of your rear wheel bearings could be brinelled and making the noise. If they replaced the rear wheel bearings then double check the measurement.

 

...............sounds like primary chain tension, (most noticeable short rides) when chain is still cold.

 

Thanks for such a quick answer!

Ok, I did what you told me...I have to admit I'm a bit of a tech rookie but somehow managed. It seems that the wheel is aligned properly, and balanced as well (oh, it was the rear pulley bearings - so I was told). I checked the belt again and the tension seems fine. However I got so frustrated I took the covers off and went for a short ride with the belt and front pulley exposed. It seems that the belt alignement is also fine - it doesn't seem to touch the edge of the pulley and I didn't notice it sliding...but I think that the front pulley was ever so slightly off balance - hard to tell for sure going down my 'hood and looking under your feet, but guess there was some after all. Do you think this could be it?
I've still got the bike on dealers warranty, so guess I'll pop in and explain what I found out...

 

Yes that definitely could be it. Take it back in.