howling/whining on Vulcan 800

[cliff1947]

I have asked this on another part of this forum and have gotten only one answer. I have checked the things that they mentioned and they were not the cause, so I thought I'd try here. I have a 2002 Vulcan Classic and ever since I've had it ...It makes a very loud howling or whining noise ( like gear noise in a old truck). It seems to come from the rear of the bike, can't tell for sure where...only when it is under a pull. If I put the clutch in or let off the throttle it quits. Also no sound when coasting. So I think that eliminates the tire or wheel bearings. It has a new chain and it is adjusted to specs.The wheel is aligned properly too. Am fairly knowledgeable ,but can't think of what to try next. Would very much appreciate any more ideas. Thanks ahead of time.
Maybe this is normal on this kind of bike, but don't have any sounds like it on my other bikes. Let me know if this is normal on a Vulcan 800. Hope to hear some ideas.
Cliff

[Ronmac1118]

I have a 2000 vulcan nomad that whines bad also , have been told it was the read end that needs shims, have reshimed mine and it still whines, not as bad, but ain`t gonna give 1200 bucks to have it corrected, Not as bad with a rider, also have checked and intend to pull the primary gear this winter to check it out, any suggestions sure would help as its very nerve racking

[Ruh Roh]

Mine had a almost (but not quite) "ticking" , that came from the back end, but stopped when i pulled in the clutch. Dealer tech had some kinda fancy listening thingee that told us there was something wrong in one muffler. By coincidense, i had gotten some stock pipes some one had replaced, changed it, and the noise stopped !

[Classic]

Almost sounds like transmission or clutch basket noise. Bike has no differential since it's chain drive. How many miles on the bike and have you owned it since it was new?

[cliff1947]

The bike has 22000 miles on it. I just bought it about two months ago. When I test drove it I heard the noise but thought it was probably just the chain because it was in bad shape. After changing the chain and checking the sprockets, I'm wondering if I bought a mess of trouble because the howling is still there. Hopefully it won't be too serious, because other then the noise I really like the bike and am hooked on Vulcans.
Thanks for replying.
Cliff

[Classic]

Only thing I can tell you is take it to a dealer or general bike mechanic and see what they say. When you installed the new chain did it make any difference in the noise? If so, how's the condition of the rear and front sprockets?

[cliff1947]

There wasn't much difference in the sound after I changed the chain. The sprockets looked good..they weren't hooked or pointed. So I thought that they were ok. But just in case.....I ordered a set of sprockets from Beartooth today and am hoping that they will do the trick. It can't hurt to try. If that doesn't work I am going to take it to a mechanic like you said. I will post what I find out.
Thanks,
Cliff

[cliff1947]

Just a update. I put the new sprockets on and no howling noise!!! Its amazing to me because the old sprockets looked good. If the weather holds ,I'll be able to do some road trips now.
Cliff