Valkyrie Whine Discussion

[Red Diamond]

I'm trying to come to a conclusion on where the "whine" is coming from on the Valkyrie. I think most seem to think it is coming from the transmission, (square cut gears) thus, some also think different oils will quite the "whine".
    Now here is my confusion, I have more than one Valk, the I/S is super quite, I can rev it up, no whine. The Tourer is notorious for the whine, it gets louder with rpm's and I mean rpm's just sitting still. I use Mobil 1 15-50 in both bikes. Could it be the tension on the "timing belts" rather than transmission noise? I also have a Standard that is very quite like the I/S. When I put the Standard back together, I installed new belts and use the tension of the idlers to adjust the belts. The I/S has 34k miles, the Tourer has 29K miles. Other than the Standard (abused bike), neither of the other two have had any wrenching on it. Any and all opinions will be appreciated.

[Ricky-D]

You might can use a stethoscope to further define where the noise is coming from.

***

[hubcapsc]

What if the whine is coming from the alternator?

+1 on the stethoscope thing...

-Mike

[LoBug504]

Does your Tourer have a blower on it LOL, that would whine!! I only hear a whine in mine when in 5th and pulling through 45-50-55. She smooths out real nice after 55ish. Im on a standard and dont notice much of a whine revving in neutral.

Lo

[Red Diamond]

Going to try the stethoscope, will probably give a diffinent location. Thanks

[Patrick]

I certainly agree with trying to locate the source of the noise. However the 'whine' should be different depending on what it is thats 'whining'.
The timing belts will and do 'whine' on these monsters if they are tight. Honda says .2-.3". These engines stretch like crazy when they get warm. So, I find the belts stay much quieter when set a bit looser, I usually set them at 3/8".

[Michvalk]

I agree that the whine from a running engine is usually the belts too tight. The gear whine is only apparent when moving

[Dorkman]

Don't have no stinkin' stethoscope, but a long screwdriver held against the part and the other end at your ear works pretty good.   

[Red Diamond]

Along with the stethoscope, I'm going to remove the front cover on the Tourer, check the tension on the belts in relation to how I set the tension on the Standard, probably respond to this later. Thanks for all the responses so far.

[Brian]

Yes the timing belts will whine. Have you checked the bearings in the tensioner pulley's with the belts off? My right side tensioner made a high pitch noise that was more noticeable sitting still. I replaced it with a new OEM, noise gone. The old unit had a slight bit of slop and would wobble front to back with finger pressure. It spun really easy too with a little bit of a noise. I later rebuilt the old POS unit.

Far as the transmission noise, do you notice a difference with the clutch disengaged verses idling in neutral and the clutch engaged? Just asking as it might lead some where here if you do.

[Red Diamond]

Yes the timing belts will whine. Have you checked the bearings in the tensioner pulley's with the belts off? My right side tensioner made a high pitch noise that was more noticeable sitting still. I replaced it with a new OEM, noise gone. The old unit had a slight bit of slop and would wobble front to back with finger pressure. It spun really easy too with a little bit of a noise. I later rebuilt the old POS unit.

Far as the transmission noise, do you notice a difference with the clutch disengaged verses idling in neutral and the clutch engaged? Just asking as it might lead some where here if you do.

Yea Brian, I always hear the difference when the clutch lever is pulled in, like a little grinding noise. I still haven't pulled the front cover yet, but I could definently hear a whine near the starter at the clutch gear housing with my home made stethoscope.

[Michvalk]

The trans will make a little grumble in neutral with the clutch out. That would be normal, but, usually shuts up when you pull the clutch in, before you shift into first. If it's making noise when you pull the clutch in, there is a pin behind the actuator for the clutch that could need grease. There are a few that have had that issue, but, grease usually fixes it

[Patrick]

Well, now we have a noise near the starter. It sounds like the alternator then. The clutch pushrod could make some noise, but, its not usually a 'whine'.

[BradValk48237]

Along this line... where is the clutch actuator that needs grease? down on the back of the motor?

Whats the best way to grease it?

I do have some noise with the clutch in and I have the tranny covers which seems to make it louder.....

Brad

[HayHauler]

That was what I was going to ask RD.  Does the standard have the tranny covers?  I have heard tht those covers make the engine noise more pronounced.   

Just a thought.

Hay
Jimmyt

[Red Diamond]

That was what I was going to ask RD.  Does the standard have the tranny covers?  I have heard tht those covers make the engine noise more pronounced.   

Just a thought.

Hay
Jimmyt

Yep, they are covered alright, those tin cans pronounce everything.

[Brian]

That was what I was going to ask RD.  Does the standard have the tranny covers?  I have heard tht those covers make the engine noise more pronounced.   

Just a thought.

Hay
Jimmyt

Yep, they are covered alright, those tin cans pronounce everything.

Take'em off while you are working this out. Just a thought. Good luck.

[CASABROKER]

Please stop all the whining.   

[Patrick]

I'd just as soon have some nice bread and cheese with all this.