2007hdtestimonials03

Many folks are still complaining about their noisy transmissions. Harleys fix is to recommend a change in gear oil which seems to have helped quiet down some with minor noise but the ones that are really bad are not getting any better from this procedure. The MoCo is not admitting any problems and I don't think they ever will. Replacing the trannies on every 2007 sold to this point would swamp the dealer service centers so it probably wont happen. They will keep trying to pacify us with the "thats normal" line and when one actually fails while under warranty it will be replaced and only if it fails completely. I can't think of any H-D transmission that had this noise along an entire platform. If it is normal I want the MoCo to show me a four speed big twin or a late model 5 speed that makes it over an entire production run. Here are some more testimonials from unhappy customers.

Recently took delivery of a 2007 Harley Ultra Classic. Prior to this I have owned a Fatboy and a Road King Classic. Man, was I pumped up to be getting the ULTIMATE road machine. Getting on up in years, so the ride and amenities of the Ultra drew me in. This was to be my final bike which I could enjoy for years to come. My God was I disappointed!! Like hundreds (thousands?) of others, the first time I put the bike in 5^th gear, the next thought which came to mind was “there is something seriously wrong here”. On a pure hunch, that night I started searching the web to see if others were experiencing anything like me. Well, as any of you know who have been following this saga, it turns out that I have a lot of company (the kind that misery loves). So far, my story is as follows.

Anyway, I could go on forever over how frustrated and disgusted I am with this situation with the 2007 Ultra, but what’s the point? Will follow up on this post after we go down the road (so to speak) if there is anything further to report. ……….Dick

11/28/2006

I bought my 2007 FLHTC in september and put 2200 miles on it so far. First Harley I've owned, although I've rented them before for day trips. I love my bike. It handles better then expected and I am surprised to find that out because of all the 'technical' talk I've read about Harleys in the past. My FLHTC handles better then my Valkyrie, and that was supposed to be one of the best handling heavy weights out there. Especially in close quarters, like small filled parking lots, the FLHTC is confidence inspiring. It seems a magnet for the twisties. Very comfortable and the engine puts out some serious get up and go, even with the wife on board where our combined weight is over 440 pounds. Great bike Harley. Easily the best tourer on the market for the 18K i paid, and it has real character.

Now about the gear noise. It's there, and the rattle in sixth gear and fifth gear, sometimes, had me run right back to the dealer. I made the head mechanic ride it to make sure there's nothing wrong with it. The rattle does not have me worried though as it disappears under additional load when accelerating. I think it's the shift dog rattling against its retainer or the housing when not under load. Get up in the acceleration or over 3000rpm and the rattle is gone. I think Harleys traditionally have been driven at low rpm due their torque characteristics. This new engine doesn not seem at home on the low rpm range, 2400 or less, and neither does the drive train. This bike simply needs to be revved a bit higher. I plan on getting hold of a tranny blue print and see where the various non-load parts are and how close to their housing. Since the major change in the 2006 tranny design was how the gears are activated, I suspect there's a part that doesn't have the right clearance when at rest and not under load. By the sound of the metal, it's a small and light weight metallic part.

This guy took his bike back to have the tranny noise diagnosed and they are trying to invoice him for labor. The dealer says some folks are sabotaging their bikes on purpose. This is one of the strangest things I have heard thus far.

11/30/2006

dropped my bike off at the dealer last night for the 1000 mile service, the service advisor knew nothing about the recall to have the ecm remapped for the tourque curve, I also advised him of my noise in the 5 and 6th.. he started to tell me that the whine was because of the straight vs whatever... I told him, i rode a shovel for 16 years and I know all about trans whine.. I expalined that it sounded like rocks in my trans..

he noted it and added $90 to the bill to check it out, I said that this was a warrenty deal, he said that they add the extra, because they have customers who sabatage their own bikes, and that they would take the charge off when I pick it up... We'll see.

I will let you know what happens... please leave my name off

thanks

Here is the follow-up to the above post...

12/11/2006

The remap works great, it has a way smoother power curve in low rpm, and virtualy no surge when backing off the throttle.

The 5th/6th gear noise.. they did not charge me for checking it out, and the service manager said he rode the bike 9 miles and it is normal whine in 5th. I told him the bike really needs to be warmed up, and I'm not sure that 9 miles in 48 degree weather is enough. (I don't think he could ride 9 miles in 5th gear anyway.. as he would get killed going less than 65 on the fwy,and there is no other street long enough to get there).

He did say HD is aware of the problem and would most likely find a fix, he also suggested a heavy trans fluid. ( like redline shockproof heavy) though I had mine set up with synth3.

The trans was a little quieter, but still have the rocks/spoons in the trans noise.

Side note, I went to the bike show in Long Beach (CA) over the weekend and spoke with a HD rep. He said he was aware of the problem, but only when under 2000 rpm.. I stated that it happen at 2500 to 3000 as well.. he gave me the number at customer service and told me to tell them his name when I called. he wanted me to let them know of my complaint...

I will follow up after my phone call..

12/26/2006

I purchased a 2007 Road King Classic in Birmingham, AL. in early October. (I had owned a Honda 1300 prior to this purchase.) I noticed the 5th gear noise and excessive heat right away. I assumed the heat was normal because the Harley wasn't liquid cooled like the Honda. While the dealership employs very nice people, on the issue of the transmission problem, I was given "double talk", "excuses" or whatever, that the problem was caused by the way the gears lined up on the spline and something about 6th gear being added. Anyway, I was told that it was normal on the 07's and I would have to live with it. I trusted that Harley Davidson had tested these bikes and the new designs before being sold to the public. Now I am now wondering if I made the right decision to buy a Harley, especially at more than 2 times the price of a Honda.

Gadsden, AL.

Keep checking back and if you are one of the victims of the nasty 5th gear tranny noise you can at least take comfort in the fact that you are not suffering alone. Once again; if you have something to add, good or bad, email me at biners@crowderinc.com.