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[tompen]

My 2011 Softail has a noise in 5th gear, light load, that sounds like shaking a can of marbles. I can get it in any gear, but much worse in 5th. I had it test ridden by the dealer service manager and he said he heard it in 5th only and it is "normal". They have a memo from HD.  I guess my prevoius two 6 speeds that didn't do it were not normal.
Anyway, does anyone know about this Memo ?
Thanks.

[grc]

My 2011 Softail has a noise in 5th gear, light load, that sounds like shaking a can of marbles. I can get it in any gear, but much worse in 5th. I had it test ridden by the dealer service manager and he said he heard it in 5th only and it is "normal". They have a memo from HD.  I guess my prevoius two 6 speeds that didn't do it were not normal.
Anyway, does anyone know about this Memo ?
Thanks.

If he has such a memo, tell him to show it to you.  It's quite possible that even if such a memo exists, it doesn't apply to your model and year.

The early Cruise Drive transmissions had noisy 5th gears because the trans used helical (quieter) gears for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th, but the old straight cut spur gears (noisier) for 1st and 5th.  I was under the impression they changed 5th to a helical gear to eliminate that noise complaint several years ago.

Edit:  I went back and verified that the change to fifth gear was made for the 2010 model year on all Big Twin transmissions, per Harley tech info.  So once again, ask him to haul out that "memo", it is probably the one that Harley put out a couple years before that change was made.  While it may have been normal in 2007-2009, the game changed in 2010 and that old memo doesn't apply.


Jerry

[Heydude723]

I am having noise problems with a 2013 Road Glide CVO transmission 1300 miles, only when at operating temp. They gave me a service bulletin  M-1304 titled "Big Twin Neutral Rattle" sighting "normal manufacturing variations and tolerance stack-up" This may not be your issue, only when it is hot does it rattle. Accumulative Error / too much gear width when they get hot and grow in a confined space

[FlaHeatWave]

The 6sp in the '09 was not particularly noisy, 'changed to Redline / shockproof on this fluid change, and was surprised at the difference that it made, quieter, smoother.
I think that HD has had some issues (main bearing?) with some of the CruiseDrive 6speeds, seems that some have them, some don't...

[lowflight]

I have noted the rattle in neutral in my 13 FLTRXSE as well. Thanks for posting that info. I also think that the whine in 1st is a bit much, but of course I get the standard answer “that is normal and expect to hear it in 6th too”, this is my first six speed, so I don’t know. Have you guys noticed a louder whine in 1st compared to the five speeds or even the fours?

[mjb765]

I have noted the rattle in neutral in my 13 FLTRXSE as well. Thanks for posting that info. I also think that the whine in 1st is a bit much, but of course I get the standard answer “that is normal and expect to hear it in 6th too”, this is my first six speed, so I don’t know. Have you guys noticed a louder whine in 1st compared to the five speeds or even the fours?

My '11 whines in 1st....but does not make any noise in 6th.

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

Try switching trans lube if you feel that is where its coming from. If you are running engine oil in trans,.. then that may all be taken care of with a real trans lube. I see a ton of bikes come in with the rear belt overly tight. I feel that they need to set to the very loose side. The pulley will grow in size as it heats up and the belt only gets tighter putting more strain on the trans shaft, bearing and seals.

As far as lube for the trans its just a gear box there is nothing earth shattering about it. Try a 85/140 gl5 fluid cheap test . You may end up reducing the rattle.