2009 5th Gear Whine. Just How Bad is it?

[enoxemy]

I don't have any noticeable whine in 5th in my 09, never really have.

 

[shelby!]

When the Ultra was new, it was easy to tell it was in 5th gear. Now I do not notice it at all.

 

[S2808mc]

What 2wheelthrill said: On mine ('09 RKC) I also use the 1st and 5th gear whine to help me remember my gears!

 

[kilcoynedonahe]

I'm pretty sure it was changed in 09,' i do not have a whine in 5th but my rear tire whines like crazy in curves.

 

[Itachi 24]

My bike, although an '07 (first year of the "whine") whines some but not bad to me. The worst noise is the clattering I hear when in 5th at slower speeds. I am thinking it has more to do with the compensator.

 

[jasmin84]

It might've just been 5th gear. I just checked an '09 manual I have here and these had spur cut on 1st and 5th like my '07, so they are whiners. It must've been '10 when they went with a helical-cut 5th gear. Since spur cut is stronger I'm happy sacrificing a little whine for strength.

 

[Tybo82]

Install IDS and the clattering will disappear. Very worthwhile upgrade for an '07, $185 + shipping at Zanotti's.

 

[loving02]

If the whine bothers you you will have a hard time with the rest of the noises

 

[Sunkssd]

I'm 100% sure it wasn't. Helical 5th gear appeared on the 2010 models, not 2009. The 5th gear (and 1st too) whines on my 09 Ultra but it's not a loud one. Redline w/ Shockproof quietens it a lot.

 

[Rayan H]

Mine started at 5,000 miles on my 09 RK. I'd still rather hear that beautiful motor rumbling over the transmission, but after a while I got used to it, and I'll be damned if I don't also use it as an audible gear indicator now too. Not a deal breaker by any means.