2017 Semi Auto Transmission Noise / Whine

[jfischer]

Have a 2017 RT-S with Semi Auto transmission. Have noticed in gears 1-3, at about 20-25 miles an hour, there is a definite whine or groaning noise coming from the engine/transmission. Most noticeable if slowing down.

Happens mostly when not under load, almost sounds like it's trying to talk sometimes. Curious if this is just mine, or if this kind of noise is characteristic of the unit.

[Chupaca]

There have been many references to transmission noise mostly loose rattling. Some cleared up with a change to a better full synthetic oil some cleared up with time. I do wonder if it is the transmission at all or the belt as the tension and traking can make for some strange noises and the front pulley coming loose can also cause that kind of noise especially with no load. Some things to checkout. You can search the pulley issue and find quite a bit on it. Mostly on the F3 but also back at the begining on the original models...9

[jfischer]

Thanks, I'll do some more searching. It's not a rattle, it's more of a high-pitched "whirring" noise. Maybe like a cat yowling almost.

I just turned 6,000 miles on it, not sure it's gotten any better or worse since I've had it.

[Chasinsparks]

My 2016 RTL had a whine at lower speeds, and on decel at 1645 miles the front sprocket gave out. Check the front sprocket and see if it is red as some have pointed out that seems to be a sure sign you will be left stranded at some point.

Thanks, I'll do some more searching. It's not a rattle, it's more of a high-pitched "whirring" noise. Maybe like a cat yowling almost.

I just turned 6,000 miles on it, not sure it's gotten any better or worse since I've had it.

[jfischer]

My 2016 RTL had a whine at lower speeds, and on decel at 1645 miles the front sprocket gave out. Check the front sprocket and see if it is red as some have pointed out that seems to be a sure sign you will be left stranded at some point.

Thanks. How hard is it to get a good enough look at this sprocket to see if it's grinding up dust? Can you see in there with a flashlight and a mirror or does the Tupperware have to come off?

[007james]

Thanks. How hard is it to get a good enough look at this sprocket to see if it's grinding up dust? Can you see in there with a flashlight and a mirror or does the Tupperware have to come off?

I just got my 2016 RT Limited back from the Shop with Engine Sproket repaired. It had the Whine and grind at decileration in 4,5 & 6 gears. It had 21,500 miles on it at failure.

[jfischer]

I just got my 2016 RT Limited back from the Shop with Engine Sproket repaired. It had the Whine and grind at decileration in 4,5 & 6 gears. It had 21,500 miles on it at failure.

Well, that sounds like mine a bit. I notice it more in the lower gears, but mostly when decelerating or holding steady between 20-25 MPH.

I'll see if I can get the Tupperware off of it and inspect mine, but probably should get it in and looked at anyway.

[Chasinsparks]

Easy to do pull the tupperware and look at the sprocket see attached pic of the color the bright orange is rust but note the red color. If you look at the the inside of the sprocket you can see the teeth are worn down, although the pulleys are off the bike, you can see the color while they are still installed.
Pulley 2.jpgPulley 1.jpg

Well, that sounds like mine a bit. I notice it more in the lower gears, but mostly when decelerating or holding steady between 20-25 MPH.

I'll see if I can get the Tupperware off of it and inspect mine, but probably should get it in and looked at anyway.

[jfischer]

I have noticed that the noise isn't generally there when I first start out when the engine is cold.

For S&G's, I changed the oil today with Castrol Full Synthetic 10w-40 motorcycle oil to see if the oil viscosity might make a difference. So far I'd say the noise is reduced although not totally gone away. I need to do some more riding though to get a better gauge for how much improvement, if any, this actually made.

[007james]

Easy to do pull the tupperware and look at the sprocket see attached pic of the color the bright orange is rust but note the red color. If you look at the the inside of the sprocket you can see the teeth are worn down, although the pulleys are off the bike, you can see the color while they are still installed.
Pulley 2.jpgPulley 1.jpg

Looking at this Sprocket photo, notice the 6 holes in the Sproket. I always heard a little Whining, coming from that area, way before the failure. I wonder if the High RPMs of the Sprocket turning on the engine shaft might by making the Whistle sound thru the 6 Air holes while rotating!