Engine whine at speed

[passin thru]

I bought a 93 XII with 50k last June. I stumbled across this forum shortly thereafter and have learned a lot so I joined last March. The bike is a bit rough looking, but seems mechanically sound. I have noticed 2 things which I haven't seen addressed here.
First, at around 50 mph and again at just over 70 I get this high pitched scream that will drive you nuts. Without earplugs it's just plain painful. But, if I lean forward about 8 inches the decibel level drops dramatically, to the point that it is not bothersome at all. Or if I lean waaay back it decreases quite a bit. I have made the balancer shaft adjustments to no avail. Any ideas?
Second, when it's cooler out, say 65°F or below, I can't get the transmission to shift into second gear until I've ridden about a block and a half. Granted, I'm only doing about 5 to 8 mph, but I simply can't get it past neutral. I'm beginning to think the neutral finder is involved. Once it's warmed up a bit I never see this problem again. I changed oil when I got it. Didn't know there were TWO drain plugs! Oops! Then changed again at 3000. I've put 5300 miles on it and like what I see. Any ideas?

[Mr Jensee]

The whine you are hearing (sounds like the Jetson's space car) is coming from the driveline. It is normal but usually not loud. I think the reason you hear it loudly is that there is an air bubble behind the faring leaving enough dead air to hear it. I always wear a helmet and usually have the radio on so I don't notice it until I ride with the radio off. If this concerns you check the fluid level in the differential at the rear wheel. It uses 90wt. gear oil and it should be filled until a quarter inch below the opening.
The shifting issue is easy to address and has been several times on here. The Voyager has what I would call a quirk in that when the engine is cold it will not shift into second gear under 3000 rpm. Once the engine is warm it will shift normally. This is just the nature of the beast. It is not broken.

[Tonyvdb]

I will second the shifting above 3000rpm, just how it works (on mine you also have to give it a good kick up or it will just pop back into neutral) embarrassing if your trying to move through the gears fast.

[passin thru]

Thanks for the feedback. The only time the shifting will be a problem is if I have to pull into traffic with a cold engine. I'll just have to be aware of it.

The noise issue is annoying. I, too, always ride with a helmet. I kinda wish my normal head position was a bit farther forward.

Thanks again.

[trikebldr]

OK, I don't own a XII, but the 1300s also have a lot of noise (even brand new!) from the engine/driveline. I pull a sidecar that has a flat side that reflects a lot of noise back up at me. I have a lot more noise when running the 40wt oils, so I run the 20/50 in summer and 10/50 in winter. I also tried using 140wt gear oil in the final drive for a couple thousand miles, but it didn't seem to help at all with noise, so I use the 90wt.
All of the gears in the transmission, until you get to the output bevel gears, are straight-cut teeth, so they WILL make noise. Just think of that noise as efficient power!