Can I reduce the transmission noise?

[Dale_K]

I've finally got my exhaust pretty quiet on my recently purchased 98 standard and now the transmission whine bothers me.  I see that current generation Valkyries are selling cheap.  Maybe even a Wing could be in my future but not if their transmissions are a loud as my 98.

Is there a feasible way to reduce the noise?  I'm going to try some 20w-50 oil but I doubt it will work.  Worth a shot since I need to change the oil anyway.  I see a product for HVAC heat pumps called a compressor blanket that wraps around a noisy compressor and was thinking maybe a person could adapt that approach to the Valkyrie.

Here's an example of a compressor blanket.  It's cheap and designed for outdoor use.

https://www.hvacusa.com/carrier-products_321042-401?gclid=CJ_I3tWtg9MCFQO5wAodyaAMGw

[h13man]

Really? I thought the "whine" is part of what makes the Valks unique. I like the the "P51 diving sound" under acceleration but I do sport open slashcuts and cut piggies. I guess what I'm saying, I like it. I was even thinkin' painting the exhaust tips "Redtail" red. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Other than synthetic oil to reduce it, I'm not sure there is much else you can do. But to be honest, I don't even notice it anymore. Actually the Kurayken transmission covers might reduce it. My standard doesn't have them and I notice the whine more on it than my Interstate which does have them.

[Hook#3287]

I like the the "P51 diving sound" under acceleration

 


P51's   

[Hook#3287]

Other than synthetic oil to reduce it, I'm not sure there is much else you can do. But to be honest, I don't even notice it anymore. Actually the Kurayken transmission covers might reduce it. My standard doesn't have them and I notice the whine more on it than my Interstate which does have them.

  It let's me know when I'm in the 50-55 mph range.

[WintrSol]

How about noise-cancelling earbuds?

[Grandpot]

I thought the wine came from the alternator.

[Tfrank59]

Nope the tranny whine is music to our ears

[Harryc]

Nope the tranny whine is music to our ears

^^^^^+1

[Jess from VA]

I will say that using the Amzoil motorcycle specific 10-40 was a bit quieter than any other oil I've tried (including T6, Golden Spectro racing, Mobil 1 motorcycle specific 10-40(4T), and others).  But when the price went over $12 a quart, that was out, for good.  But the gear whine noise reduction was just say maybe 10%, not in any way major.  

[Tfrank59]

 I remember the very first time I rode the bike -- going along in second gear and I literally looked around for a truck that I thought was behind me. That's when I knew I love this bike!  Maybe it's because I'm a machinist or maybe it's because I'm old-school but I just love those straight cut gears.

[sandy]

The whine comes from straight cut (crosscut) gears. This gear design is used in racing transmissions to increase gear strength without increasing size and weight of the tranny. The whine is a byproduct of the design. Use a good synthetic oil which will help.

[Jess from VA]

The same gears that go 500,000 mi.  (or until you pass on, which ever comes first)

[Gavin_Sons]

Here is a 100% reduction in noise trick. Sell the bike ans stay inside. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Here is a 100% reduction in noise trick. Sell the bike ans stay inside. 

He is just a new owner asking some questions. 

[Gavin_Sons]

Here is a 100% reduction in noise trick. Sell the bike ans stay inside. 

He is just a new owner asking some questions. 

And I was just making a joke. 

[Hooter]

The noise is just part of Valkyrie. Sometimes adding covers will enhance engine noise. This noise is part of the beast and something you can't do much about. Straight or square cut gears do this.

It is said that synthetic oil "may" reduce the whine, but it is always there no matter what. Valkyrie is a 20 year old bike with 20 year old habits. Not to mention, they are pretty much bullet proof.

There is a very old remedy for sounds you may not like. Louder exhaust or turn the radio up. For you I don't think this would be a solution.  Good luck.

[Alberta Patriot]

I have come to accept that the gears are noisy, but not before thinking that I bought a bike with the early signs of transmission problems.(I couldn't test ride it in January in the great white north so I went through the gears with it on a bike stand)...
I have been riding with ear plugs long before I bought the Valk so the tranny noise is no bother. I do however ride without the plugs once in a while just to check for any possible problems.

[Hooter]

I get it, new bike new noises. Shields and fairings multiply all noises. This bike is no different. Ride it and enjoy it. With preventative maintenance this bike will out last most, already has.

[signart]

Here is a 100% reduction in noise trick. Sell the bike ans stay inside.  

He is just a new owner asking some questions.  

And I was just making a joke.  

I was thinking before you posted that, maybe a Toyota Avalon (joke)
Also applies to buffeting sufferers (joke) Also applies to darkside enthusiasts(joke)

[Fazer]

Dale--do you feel thoroughly chastised now?  Same thing happens when guys complain about gas mileage with these bikes.  Don't be discouraged--great bunch of Valk riders on the board that will help you with any question or problem.  Stay involved and you can do anything with help from this forum.  Oh but you can't silence the transmission.

Greg

[98valk]

Install a supercharger, then u won't hear the transmission whine.

research/web search that noise is coming from the backside of the gears, meaning from speed run down to a stop by down shifting through each gear. This has been written about for manual transmissions in general. Theses gear boxes are straight cut gears which usually are pretty quiet.

[Solorider]

Frazer.......Off subject !!!!!    Think of the gass millage issue this way !!!  My Valkyrie gets twice the gas millage then my Harley 04 Fatboy modified with shorties .. I like my freedoms of loud pipes... even with a baker OD-6 tranny........

Glass half full  Not Half empty

Solorider

[Fazer]

Frazer.......Off subject !!!!!    Think of the gass millage issue this way !!!  My Valkyrie gets twice the gas millage then my Harley 04 Fatboy modified with shorties .. I like my freedoms of loud pipes... even with a baker OD-6 tranny........

Glass half full  Not Half empty

Solorider

You make by point by missing it entirely!!!!!!!

[Solorider]

Faser,

You started it,    ( Off subject ) Figured I would add on to your off subject behavior....

Loud Tranny + Louder pipes  saves life's ......If the bikes get to Quiet ...some old lady will run you over

Solorider

[The emperor has no clothes]

Faser,

You started it,    ( Off subject ) Figured I would add on to your off subject behavior....

Loud Tranny + Louder pipes  saves life's ......If the bikes get to Quiet ...some old lady will run you over

Solorider

Man, this sure took a turn  Do you really think being loud saves lives ? Or do you just like the sound ? It has always seemed to me 90% of the sound is behind the bike.

[Fazer]

Faser,

You started it,    ( Off subject ) Figured I would add on to your off subject behavior....

Loud Tranny + Louder pipes  saves life's ......If the bikes get to Quiet ...some old lady will run you over

Solorider

Started what, Solorider?  Geez, I guess you did not actually read my original post.  I wasn't bringing gas mileage up to hijack the thread, just as an example of what happens to guys that "criticize" our Valks.  Doesn't matter if it's a whining tranny, gas mileage, only five gears, too heavy, too light, too quiet.   

I can explain it to you but I cannot make you understand.

[Jess from VA]

Whatever we do, please, lets not go off on a whining tranny tangent.

[Harryc]

Do you really think being loud saves lives ? Or do you just like the sound ? It has always seemed to me 90% of the sound is behind the bike.

Two thumbs up Bro. Being a disciplined, well trained, and alert rider will save lives. If you think loud pipes are the answer you will eventually lose that game unless you also embrace the other three. Or you could just be like Jim and have a loud honk'in horn. Lol. (Just kidding with you Jim.)

[signart]

Do you really think being loud saves lives ? Or do you just like the sound ? It has always seemed to me 90% of the sound is behind the bike.

Two thumbs up Bro. Being a disciplined, well trained, and alert rider will save lives. If you think loud pipes are the answer you will eventually lose that game unless you also embrace the other three. Or you could just be like Jim and have a loud honk'in horn. Lol. (Just kidding with you Jim.)

I agree 100%, but will add a bunch of lights won't save you either. All things combined might help, but when some cagers see a m/c, they see their chance to turn or pull out.

[98valk]

Are u sure the whine u are hearing isn't the HD riders u just blew by?

[Hooter]

Left turn Clyde, loud pipes save lives..... .....that's basically a Harley statement. Some guys have it all over their bikes. I ride a Harley to, but I wouldn't have that statement on either bike.  Being seen and alert saves lives.

[Jess from VA]

Tell you what.  When I had my Hog with Pythons, it always fired right up, blam when hitting the starter.

So I'm down at my job in DC, and the end of the workday, and throwing a leg over to head home.  Tons of people milling around.

I hit the starter, and blam, the sound just bounces off the concrete canyon of federal buildings.   A whole row of locals were instantly looking for cover (and bullets), a few even bent down and got low.

I don't know about saving lives, but it was like a live fire exercise (and practice is always good), and funny as hell.   Well, at least I thought so.  

[Harryc]

When I had my Hog with Pythons...

Jeez Jess, what did you feed it?

[Jess from VA]

When I had my Hog with Pythons...

Jeez Jess, what did you feed it?

HI test.

This model and paint, when new (1 0f 800 FXRDs made in '86 only) (I made many changes, and paint) HD's only attempt at a sport tourer (sport glide) (not a batwing fairing, a clamshell borrowed from BMW) (and  had lowers that covered from the fairing bottom to the floorboards.)  And like the Valk, and not all other HD fiberglass, all body work was ABS (light).



With lowers.

[Harryc]

Nice scoot. Thanks for the pics.