Geartrain noise

[budder]

Have noticeable geartrain noise at front of engine, is this common with the 1500. Seems loudest when rpm is low and worst in 3 and 4 gears

[indybobm]

Valkyries do make a certain amount of noise. It does take some getting used to.

Look at the link below, it takes you to the 'Shop Talk Section, Frequently Asked Questions' and look under the heading 'About Noises'

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/#NOISE

If you have had the bike for awhile and it has just starting making this noise then it could be something going bad such as a Timing Belt Tensioner Bearing.

[sawdustar]

Yup, it's there and noticeable. I have been able to reduce the noise a bit by changing to a 10w-40 full synth oil but I still didn't eliminate the tranny noise.

[sandy]

Noise at front is usually the cam tensioner rollers. Normal. If you have lots of miles, they might need replacing. Mine have 145K and are original rollers.

[John Schmidt]

If it is gear train noise, the Valk has square cut teeth on the tranny gears and are quite noisy at/below 55mph. Goes away with higher speeds. I will caution you against low RPM and low speed in higher gears, this engine likes to rev so don't shift too early. You won't hurt it. In city traffic I seldom get out of 3rd, save your top gear for the freeway and turnpikes, open country roads, etc.

However, if it's more of a high pitched whine or squeal, it's possible that it might be the timing belt tension rollers, one or both sides. They may not be bad, just too tight. If that's the case, remove the front cover, loosen the roller mount bolts just enough to let them move, then let the tension spring do the work for you. (you shouldn't be able to play those belts like a guitar string) Doesn't need much more than that. You didn't say what the total mileage was on the bike, that will shed some light on the problem and help with our suggestions.