Metallic Howl and Broken Primary Inspection Cover

[DiscoBayJoe]

I went for a ride this weekend with some friends. We took the backgrounds for about 65 miles to our destination As we pulled into a Harley Dealership for a Demo Day (Test drive the '15's) there was a loud metallic howl from my bike. First time I've heard anything like it. It caught the attention of a guy standing over 100 ft away, who said it sounded like it was coming from my primary drive as I rolled past.

I asked the service department if they could take a look at it, to which they said they didn't normally look at BDM's. After it cooled down, zip around the block it quit making the noise, but they said they'd look at it anyhow, as it was a pretty nasty sound. They threw it on the lift, pulled the inspection cover, realized the derby covers are fake, and then broke the corner off inspection cover as they put it all back together. At that point they decided it wasn't something they wanted to look at anymore.

I rode it home with no issues, however, I heard a quieter version of the howl as I pulled into the driveway to park. It sounded to me like it was coming from the rear wheel (axle/hub/brake/?). At this point I have no idea what's wrong, but it sounds like metal on metal (bad bearing?)

Are there any good BDM mechanics in Central/Northern California? I can tinker with stuff and change fluids, but this is going to be past what I have the tools or time to figure out.

Anyone know where I can find another cover? Mine has a Big Dog logo on it, and I'd like to put it back that way if possible. I can swap that out myself.

 

[woodbutcher]

as far as the cover with the logo, maybe bigdogpartsking has some. without logo, cha
eck with baker or wild steed worx. i think curtis has them.

as for the screaming, did anything go stupid with your clutch at the same time? if so, might want to check your clutch hub nut or the throwout bearing.

 

[DiscoBayJoe]

I have had the bike for about 4 months and maybe 750 miles. The last owner was also a member and he had the clutch basket break on him and he went with some kind of upgraded clutch right before I bought it. It's always been real hard for me to find neutral when stopped (i've ridden lots of dirtbikes and street performance bikes, so I don't think it's me). Nothing out of the ordinary clutch feel wise for me. It looks like I have to take my pipes off to get to the clutch inspection cover on the right side.

 

[BigDogBro1]

Isn't the primary and clutch on the left side of the bike? The clutch actuator is on the right side of the bike where the clutch ROD adjustments are made.
You need to really start researching your motorcycle and how it works or get ready to take a $$$$$$$$$$$$$ screwing. Please get a manual!

Sounds like a poor job with the clutch install and adjustment. Maybe the clutch basket NUT loosened UP on the earlier install.
The trans shaft clutch nut if NOT properly installed will loosen. The CORRECT Loctite 2760 (FAST CURE -PRIMERLESS) MUST be used and the shaft
and the nut MUST be PERFECTLY cleaned and PREPPED and torqued to 150 ft/lbs! Use the NEW hardened (BLACK) nut as a replacement.

You need to get a GOOD mechanic that knows Bigdog, NOT JUST A HARLEY MECHANIC or you'll be pissin away your money!

Look at this link for some information into what the noise might be.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cot_3rluROY

 

[grizfish]

If:
1. clutch is working.
2. only indication of a problem is a sound in the primary area.

I would check the primary chain tension. Could be too tight.
Also check belt pulley alignment and belt tension.

 

[dingo]

I know you said clutch is working but you should check your throwout bearing.

 

[Little-Boo]

I had the same sound coming from my bike. It was a rear wheel bearing, actually it was the left inner bearing. I got so hot it melted on to the axle and the howling was loud only when I made a left turn. Not pretty, I had to cut the axle on the right side of the pulley and knock it out the left side and cut the other side to take the rear wheel off. I replace all the bearings, Axle, and spacers. I now keep two extra rear and front axles, bearing and spacers just in case. My bike only had about 2000 miles on it when that happen. Just a bad bearing, the bike was still under warranty at the time but I did it all my self. Good luck, I can almost assure you that you problem is the same I had. :2thumbs:

Carlos

 

[DiscoBayJoe]

Anyone have a link to the proper bearings for a 2005 Bulldog? I was thinking of getting new tires soon anyhow, so that seems like something easy to swap out.

 

[pauly]

The old bearings will have numbers on them.
Use the numbers to buy new ones. You can choose different brand (better quality) no problem.

Paul.

 

[woodbutcher]

curtis has them at WSW as sets for the front and rear. don't forget the dust covers.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Inspection Cover
Bearings

 

[Rex Winters]

I had the same problem. LOUD squeal, then it went away. About 200 miles later, at a stop (thank God), my front tire fell sideways, and my bearings fell out. My tire was sitting at a horrible angle. Could barely be pushed. Had to cut out the chase and put new bearings in. Needless to say, WSW hooked me up with new bearings, and I changed out the rear also. Not hard to do your self.