I have an 05 Electra Glide CVO FLHTCSE2 that has a 103 5-speed. I was out riding last night first time I had the bike out this year and was cruising along. When I was in 5th gear and let off the throttle to slow down a bit the engine started making a howling noise. it sounds similar to the sound of a semi truck passing under a bridge. The sound only occurs when letting off the throttle in 5th gear no other gears. Any idea what may be causing this sound?

 

My '09 FLHTC has done it since new.
Take it to a good mechanic if you want but I was told it was the cut of the gears.
Now, if it's a brand NEW noise, that's a different story.

 

5 speed vs 6 speed, different animals.

 

How many miles on it? Could be time for a tranny rebuild.

 

Overly tight belt? Checky.

 

I have just over 51,000 miles on it. I checked the belt towards the end of the riding season last year and they seemed to be normal. I believe this is the first time I have been hearing it just not sure if when I put it up a few months ago if it was making the noise or not. I rode about 80 miles in yesterday just around town and on the freeway and it would only happen in 5th gear everytime and only when letting off the throttle.

 

My 2000 Softail Custom did it in 4th gear since it was new. My '00 Low Rider did it in 4th gear, too, when the service dept. gave me my bike back & forgot to put oil in the tranny. Some bikes just have noisy gears; check your fluid, though, would be a good thing.

 

On my six speed, 5th started making a whining sound. When I took it in for service, I told the mechanic. He said he would take care of it, and he did. He made some adjustment, and the noise went away.


Good luck.

 

Check your primary chain tension. That year bike it's a manual setting done through the oval inspection cover on the primary cover. Check a manual or the like for the proper setting.

 

I have 2018 Softail Deluxe with 4200 miles on it and it just started this noise in 5th gear and moved 3rd & 4th as well, I see this might a common Noise... What is the deal?