Blast whine/whirr when off throttle

[afiling]

Hello all, new here to the forum and Buell motorcycles in general. I just picked up a 2003 Blast with 8k miles to play with and have a question that I cant seem to find any answers to.

The problem is that the bike makes a very loud whirring/whining noise when you let off the throttle and will continue until you get back on the throttle. This happens in gears 1-4 at any speed but does not make any noise at all in 5th. It quiets down very considerably when you pull in the clutch lever, and makes no noise at all when stopped. I changed the trans fluid, adjusted the primary chain, adjusted the clutch, and checked the primary chain tensioner shoe (still in very good condition). The bike shifts smooth (other than the typical neutral to 1st grinding sometimes), rides on the highway smooth, clutch engagement is normal, etc.

So in summary it is just this strange loud whirring/whine noise any time you are moving and let off the throttle, in every gear except 5th and at any speed.

Any help is appreciated and thank you in advance.

Also, I just realized that there is a separate troubleshooting forum, please advise if this should be moved.

 

[jetlee]

Adjust your primary chain tensioner. With the engine running warm, loosen the tensioner bolt until you hear the chain clacking. Tighten the tensioner back up until the clacking stops and no further. Tighten the lock nut.

Done.

 

[afiling]

I tried it tight as well as loose and rode it after each adjustment but it never changed my whirring noise. I suppose I could go ahead and try it again.

 

[jetlee]

Loosen it by hand until there's no tension on the tensioner bolt. Then tighten it back until there's barely any tension at all. Then tighten the lock nut.

 

[afiling]

Ok I will try that today and post back with the results.

 

[afiling]

I just tried the adjustment again while it was warm and running. I tried tight and loose and it didnt change my sound, I even did the factory spec 24 in/lb and 3/4 turn out. Im guessing that this noise is transmission related, but still dont know where to start.

 

[jetlee]

If everything is adjusted properly and fluids are all fresh and filled to correct level ... I'd keep riding.

Have you checked your wheels bearings?

Where does it sound like the noise is coming from? The top/front/back/bottom of the bike?

 

[afiling]

Did not yet check wheel bearings. All fluids are good, definitely sounds like the bottom of the engine/transmission area.