Anybody having problems with drivetrain noise on the 2008 Ultras? At 60-70 miles per hour if you let off the throttle then roll back on it there is a clunking noise. Sounds like play in the drivetrain. Another thing I notice is once it is warmed up when releasing the clutch there is a chattering noise. I have had a number of new Ultras and this is the first one doing this. My previous was a 2007 so I have had the new engine.

 

The noise when backing off and rolling back on is drivetrain lash..Normal..Don`t do that. Mine will do it too. I just don`t.[8D]
The primary noise on launch when warm has occurred on mine also. I just take off without dropping the clutch to hard and the noise will not occur. Sounds like the self adjuster ratchets when it makes this noise. Don`t do that either...

 

i have a definate whine in 5th gear on my 08 ultra...will see if the moco will address it at the 1000 miles
check up...i also have some sluggish take off in 1st gear when the motor is hot... and it does get hot hot hot
don b

 

The fifth gear whine is normalllllllllllllllll................[8D]

 

Yeah, as long as 1st and 5th are straight cut gears there is going to be some whine.

 

Primary chain should never be out of adjustment since 07.
HD put in a new auto chain tensioner.
But it could be defective or a bad compensator.
check that.

The Screaming Eagle 6 speed tranny is all straight cut gears.
Do you hear gear whine from that?
My 01 EGC is all straight cut gears and I believe my 06 is also.
There is NO gear whine in any of them.
so don't blame the 07 gear whine on straight cut.
A poorly designed and meshed gear yes.

 

amen brother.

 

I have to admit I do hear a little whine on my 08 RG in fifth gear, but I have to try and hear it. I also hear wind noise, tire noise, valve clatter, air being sucked into the motor and sometimes a thunk when a bug hits me. I do hear it more after my first (free) service but I am pretty sure it's normal and not going to kill me. Ten years ago none of us would have thougt twice about a slight whine in any gear maybe new bikes are just a little more refined and we notice small things we would have previously overlooked.