Do any of you have experience with a "Gear Whine" in your roadstar ? Mine has had it since about 500 or 600 miles. Pretty annoying.

My dealer/ mechanic says it is a spring loaded idler gear in the cam gear set. Who am I to argue with that ? I am an old motor-head from the 60's and 70's and probably hear things that don't matter, but is bugs me anyway.

I am running stock pipes with stage 1 drilling on an '07 1700. You hear the noise on acceleration, it follows the rpm's of the engine. You can stay away from it by either lugging or winding the engine, but the sweet spot is noisy.

Sounds a lot like a super-charger whine, if you are familiar with that. I am told by the Yamaha folks not to worry, but I would like it to go away if possible.

I have disconnected the AIS and checked the exhaust gaskets to no avail.

If you have or have had this noise, any comments would be appreciated.

jv

Don't know how loud your noise is but I have a sewing machine kind of noise that varies with the revs. It's apparantly the square cut gears in the case that are making the noise.


Doc

Well Doc, That's what I first thought, but it is pretty loud under normal acceleration. Probably louder pipes would disquise it, but in my mind, it would still be there.

I am running Castrol V-twin 20-50 synthetic with about 3000 miles on it. I don't know if a different oil would make a difference.

My dealers mechanic started 2 other Stars sitting on the floor, both used, and the noise was there. Not a loud, but there.

I am not sure how different oils of the same viscosity and both synthetics could make a difference. I am leaving for Sturgis next week and will need a change when I get back. I could change it before the trip if it would help.

jv

I run Mobil 15W50 syn. You could try switching to another syn; I've heard people claim differences between oils. I won't use Valvoline 5W50 as my motor sounds louder.

It's difficult to comment on your noise level sitting over here. It could be normal or you could have a problem ..... but they do emit gear noise.

Doc

Thanks Doc,
That's kinda what I thought. I think when I get back, oil and filter will need done and I might try another syn. to see if it helps.

jv

My 04 Roadstar makes that same supercharger-like whine. Its not noticable above 50 mph, but below that, I can always hear it. I know its the gears, so I dont let it bother me.

My 1930 Ford car has straight-cut gears in the transmission, and it is noisier than all-get-out!!! Bevel-cut gears are quieter by far (and easieir to shift, without double-clutching.)
But the Roadie uses straight cut gears for the cam drives, as Doc said. And the whine you hear is probably just ilke every other Roadie out there.
The Roadie's generator will make a whine when it is charging hard with lights on too. I've noticed many GM cars and trucks have alternator "whine" when idling with lights on.