I just picked up an '07 standard Softail from a buddy in need of quick cash. He bought it with 11k miles 3 years ago or so from a local HD dealership and now it has 15k miles. When riding it home I noted that it had a continuous noise from the primary and that it was not RPM specific. I'm aware of the sixth gear noise, but this was notable as a whine in first gear while slowing to a stop. When cruising at about 50 or so you can hear a continuous noise from somewhere in the engine/primary area. The noise there isn't so much a whine but has that light grind sound. I know that's a crappy explanation, and I only rode the bike a few miles so I did not get to do much testing.

What should I look for and check out first? Thanks for the help.

 

Inner primary bearing maybe. Does it make the noise if it's in first with the clutch pulled in? How about in neutral?

 

I first noticed it pulling in the clutch in first gear as I was slowing down. I haven't tried it in neutral yet.

Edit: No noise while stopped with clutch pulled in; it's directly related to the speed of the bike.

 

You say "continuous whine / noise"..........is my wife trapped in there????

Sorry, I coulnt help it. I hope you get it figured out.

 

No, mine is!!!! LOL

 

Sounds like IPB.

 

Friend of mine has a Wide Glide, same year, and he says his has made a similar noise since he got it, and that the dealer said it was normal. Still doesn't sound right to me.

 

Check the chain tension, I'll bet it's too tight and toasted the primary bearing.

 

If the whine gets louder and more noticeable as your rpm's go up I'd say you have to be looking at the primary bearings. It could also be something with the clutch too but unlikely.

 

I Would assume that if the primary bearings are bad that they're not cheap to replace? I don't have the time or patience to replace them myself at this point. Does the whole thing come apart to replace both or can the main bearing be replaced without complete disassembly of the clutch?