5th GEAR 2009 ROAD KING

[Urrell]

Originally Posted by Maggar

I don't have this problem on the six speed on my 2008 Street Glide, is that the same gearbox then?

This problem seems to only affect the new frame 2009 bikes. Some are OK while others are VERY noisy in 1st and 5th. May well affect more but 6 speed has been out for a while with no complaints about that having surfaced. 1st is not too bad as not used much but a lot will spend more time in 5th.

[Tony Cross]

Originally Posted by Maggar

I don't have this problem on the six speed on my 2008 Street Glide, is that the same gearbox then?

Do you have the standard exhaust system? Noisey ones perhaps hide this problem.

[banquo]

Looked back my history, and think I read it related to the Baker Conversion. Looking at the correspondence over the issue, it seems that H-D are sticking to the "it's not a problem" story, and most seem to agree with them. The argument is that it's not 5th that's noisy, it's the rest that are quiet, so you notice the difference. Could be a simple tolerance issue, and if you're unlucky enough to have minimum tolerance gears, the slap will be sufficient to change from a bit noisy to intolerably noisy...

[Maggar]

Originally Posted by Tony Cross

Do you have the standard exhaust system? Noisey ones perhaps hide this problem.

Maybe, I have V&H Big Shots. There's certainly no difference to the noise in any gear.

I didn't notice it on my week long loan bike (2008 Ultra Glide) either.

If it's an issue with the new framed tourers the same gear box will be fine on the Dynas and Softails - is that right? If so how the hell does a different frame change how a gearbox works? Surely the MoCo have to sort this out.

[Tony Cross]

I know a dyna owner with the same problem and fact that the design is being changed speaks volumes.

[DeuceBG]

Alot if not all of the six speed boxes suffered this problem to varying degrees.
It's more noticeable on the faired bikes and the ones with the standard exhausts even more so.
I bought the RK from Lincoln HD that Nick referred to earlier and had no issues with it whatsoever in that department.
BUT...I had it Stage One'd before I bought it and hardly ever used the screen.
I think my current Fatbob suffers a little but it's hard to tell with the Shortshots and all.
I was led to believe that the straight cuts were a matter of strength and durability but that came from a dealer so your guess is as good as mine on that one!!

[eezyrider123]

Back in the old days of saloon car racing with Minis Cortinas and Anglias etc all the racing gearboxes were built with straight cut gears. Noisy enough to give you toothache but they were bullet-proof and ultra reliable.
Doubt if you'll ever quieten them down.

[DeuceBG]

Originally Posted by eezyrider123

Doubt if you'll ever quieten them down.

Exactly that...so if you can't make your gearbox quieter, make everything around it MUCH MORE NOISY!!!!

[Mike Benis]

I've a stock 09 RK. Can't say I've noticed the noise in 1st or 5th.

[MORDUEMAN]

I have not fitted my stage 1 yet on my 09 FLHT and there is no noise difference in 1st or 5th gears, even when I have my open face helmet on and you can hear a gnat fart when you are wearing that !