98 roadglide weird sound - Harley Forum

jshigman · #1 03-10-2009, 12:58 PM

Hello all,
new to the forum but glad I found it. I have a 98 road glide with the evo in it and it has only 8500 miles on it. Was my uncles bike and he hardly road as you can tell. I have noticed that now when riding, in a lean left or right on the bike,
I get a slight vibration through through handle bars and a whirring sound. Could you guys give me some advice as to where to start looking? Wheel bearings or swing arm or what? It is starting to bother me as it just started doing this. All help is deeply appreciated.
Thanks

frisco-rigid · #2 03-10-2009, 02:47 PM

Hey Js

A wee more info will help..

Is it a high-pitch whirring, or low..?
Does it's intensity and volume follow the Rpm's and/or speed.?
How loud is it-----waaaay loud and gets louder with R's or speed,,,,,, or gentle easy at all times..?
Is it metalic or what.?
You say in both a right AND left lean,, ok, waaay over or even a slight turn.?

Do have a way to lift the sickle.?

OK, if this were my sickle I would lift it up then lift both wheels one at a time..
I would look & Feel for ANYTHING loose---bolts, straps, calipers, rotors, brackets, belt, bags, cables rubbing on anything, golly, the list goes on & on..
Of course while wheels are free you spin em and Feel & Listen..
Also, a very off chance is that you're hearing the tires tread whirring..

Don't wish to sound skeptical but with just 8500 miles it might just still be breaking in noises,, in-other-words,, stuff that kinda sorta naturally works loose in/on a new sickle that needs tending to..

Knock yerself out

jshigman · #3 03-10-2009, 02:56 PM

It happens in a slight lean either way, and the sound is constant when leaning, does not go up or down with rpms. It doesnt sound metallic at all, almost like a low pitch whirring sound.

Thanks for the help

aceharleywrench · #4 03-10-2009, 03:32 PM

Since you're getting noise & a vibration,I would look at the tires first.If they have been run underinflated they will cup,you should be able to feel the cupping on the tread.If thats it you can either replace the tires now or live with it till they need replacing (with 8500 you're close to needing a rear anyway)

evoKENevo · #5 03-10-2009, 07:00 PM

Just me THUNKING again...'98 bike with only 8500 miles on it...probabley original tires over 11 years old....