Harley Milwaukee 8 Transmission PROBLEMS!

Harley Milwaukee 8 transmission problems! In this episode, the customer was having issues with shifting after doing a hard pull and hearing a 'pop' on his 131ci Stage 4 Harley-Davidson Street Glide, so we diagnosed and found the problem.
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[@kevincabot8733]

I know i'm not the only one whos excited as hell that we are starting to see actual shop work videos. Keep up the good work Blockhead crew!

[@stephgoes4aride]

i agree!

[@BlockheadMoto]

It's taken a little bit to get the Blockhead Garage setup and going, but we're finally to the point of making shop work content! Thank you all for your patience while we built the shop! 😄

[@jasontcolson]

I've been looking forward to vids like this since Maxwell stopped making his.

[@bencarlile8023]

I have a m8 107 with a stage ll and after 3 years & 60000 miles, my stock shit box transmission went to hell. It's my opinion that we (USA) should build our own bikes again instead of letting foreign entities ruin a good design by using bogus materials.

[@ecrusch]

I REALLY like Chris's tutorial explanations on the customers' bikes and how he's going to fix them. And with Block's excellent camera work, it's a win, win. Thanks, fellas. I always pick something up when I watch your videos. peace EDIT: HIT THE DAMN SUBSCRIBE AND LIKE BUTTON !!!!

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks Eric, glad you enjoyed the video! 👍

[@humoroustumor]

As a new tech in an independent shop I love to see stuff like this to learn and have fun. Thanks Block and Chris 💪

[@Yargilfist]

That was an extremely interesting video. Loved seeing more of the guts of the bike being taken apart and explained. Keep em coming! Love these types of videos!!

[@jarydt1152]

Wow I didn't realise how much easier Harley's are to work on. Most bikes I've worked on you'll need to split cases to work on the transmission.

[@vector6977]

You have to on 2004- present Sportsters.

[@vinsoni10]

Man, I wish I lived closer so I could book services with y'all.

[@hankster2241]

This has to be the best vid yet. I love Chris's explanation of the drive train. dead balls on. I've rode 600 sport bikes for 40 years and just switched to a 2020 lowrider s. I just love it even thought i had to eat some crow from my fiends but its been worth it. rule number 1 about adding horse power i tell all my friends is once you add HP there's alway a weak link and once you fix that one theres another one and on and on. love your channel.

[@bobbendt1698]

Thanks to Chris for explaining this to us. Best video yet from the new shop.

[@MichaelBertini]

Chris is going to be reminding me about how I let someone else touch my bike that wasn't him for decades to come. Me: What's up dude (Chris), how are you doing? Chris: Mike, remember that time you did something really STUPID and let another mechanic touch your bike? Tell everyone how bad of an idea that was. TELL THEM! 😂😅

[@NVArt001]

Yes, I'm having a "Grudge Box" from Baker Drivetrain installed as we speak. Great company to deal with. Called to see how long the shipping times were, guy on the phone told me. I ordered it right then and there and received it in less than a week.

[@TheoSaar]

Hello, I am finally in a position where I can buy a nice Harley and pay cash. My question is should I buy something with the Milwaukee 8 or go with a Twin Cam? I am not worried about heat, or vibrations. I am simply interested in which is more reliable. I don't want to have any down time, I want to ride. I take care of my bikes and maintain them properly. I mostly commute on my bikes, but starting this year I will be taking one or two cross country trips. Thanks for any input! P.S. - I love the channel, I have been following for years!

[@ChristianKustomz]

Man I love this video. Info that I didn't even know that I wanted to know. Nice work guys. I'm excited for y'all and your future in 2022

[@est.1970]

Excellent video with expert explanation and information. And, thank you for keeping it real and not bashing stock HD components.

[@dalekidd420]

Oddly enough, it has always been my experience that on ANY vehicle, from two wheels to 18, the single, and COMMON, weakest link is always the nut in the driver's seat!

[@BlockheadMoto]

Truth! haha

[@Chase_N]

Currently living on the WV/OH border with about 8 inches of snow & I haven't been able to ride since Nov. 9th 2021. At least I have interesting build/maintenance/riding vids from you Florida (& other Southern/SW) boys to watch. Really, thanks guys for what you do!

[@adampierce9403]

came to this channel for the "how to ride" videos, very well done on those. really enjoy your perspective on riding bikes, and REALLY love these shop build series. Now a proud subscriber! So I can stop feeling guilty about it when yall yell about the 62% hahah IT AIN'T ME NO MORE

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks for getting out of the 62% Adam! haha

[@warrant5155]

So people modify the crap out of a stock bike then wonder why the transmission fails?...almost double the horsepower and a chain drive conversion through a stock transmission, FAIL, not rocket surgery. Good explanation to at least not pass the blame to the mothership HD. New subscriber!

[@blueeyeddemon2755]

M8 street glide with big bore kit and a tune still has comp. And cush drive , and its ripped out 2 trans. We also went with the grudge box

[@120074]

Finally a video explaining what will and could happen to the motorcycle when building a large displacement motor and not replacing the needed parts to have the correct build. Nice to not hear all the Harley bashing like so many other videos. Great videos

[@jasonwhite514]

Sorry blockhead. Thank you sickwideglide I didn’t realize I wasn’t subscribed yet. Subscription activated!!!

[@everperez8538]

Great video. great explanation of distribution of power and fixes.

[@freedom6919741]

After watching Blocks videos with Chris in them I am thinking Chris is a rarity in the HD World. He is the guy I would trust to work on my bike. Before long you guys are going to be so busy it will be impossible to get an app at the Blockhead Garage lol.

[@blessediisuccesstransportinc]

Love your content, I have a question for you , I have a 2021 RoadGlide and I bought a man a war comp , I don’t do dumping the clutch or banging wheelies, and still have my belt drive would you recommend still putting the comp on. I just hate the sound of banging when I put it in first gear.

[@powerman1972]

Great explanation on the driveline. Question?- Once you take out the "Buffer" of the compensator, cush drive, etc. and install a grudge box. What becomes the week link? The Rear sprocket?

[@georgekelly8900]

The crankshaft. Somethings gotta give more than likely you'll shift the flywheels.

[@gunnermuehring3845]

Mine lasted 300 miles after 124 build lol. Just broke a few hours ago! Flicked it into 3rd and it said not today son 😂.

[@thedakotahurley]

Hmm, so you're saying that Harley motors are designed to work as they're shipped (or with THEIR upgrade parts), and that if you start changing things, the original parts won't perform as designed? That's astounding! 🤪 Good on you guys for getting 'em fixed up! I did reach out on the website about a 1k service and potential Stage II upgrade. Never heard back. Maybe I've been banned from the garage. Idk. Haha. I'm in your neck of the woods tho. Wish we could link up. Oh well. I'll keep watching regardless!! 👍

[@lifeofjustinjames]

Hey Dakota! It's Justin here at the Blockhead Garage. Chris actually emailed you back on the same day, called you, and left a voicemail (12/21/2021). Give us a call and I'd be happy to help ya get sorted out.

[@thedakotahurley]

@@lifeofjustinjames Hey Justin, thanks for the reply!! I'm sorry, you're absolutely right. I just searched back and found that voicemail. That's totally my bad. Not sure how that slipped through. I get a lot of spam calls and generally ignore any call I don't recognize, so maybe that's why. Either way that's on me. I will follow up by phone and try to get something set up. Sorry for the confusion!!

[@lifeofjustinjames]

@@thedakotahurley No worries, things happen and technology can get the best of us sometimes. Be in touch if you’re still interested 🤘

[@Firestorm637]

U should explain why Harley have a separate transmission with need of a primary vs other transmission combined bikes. Lots of extra added weight, size, and complex with a separate transmission

[@paulburns5838]

That geared in that Baker look like the same setup used in an NHRA pro stock 5 speed setup.

[@stephgoes4aride]

i wish i could learn from chris full time and start a new career! seriously, i can tell he's a great teacher in addition to being great at his craft and super ❄. also, if you ever expand to chicago, hit me up cuz i 100% want to work there. oh andddd, in addition to your build contests (i used to be a patreon but haven't been able to sign up for the new site yet cuz of money), maybe you could consider a contest for a chance for viewers to have their own bike worked on by yous guys? cuz i'd love to see what you could do to the bike i already have, and i'm sure others would too. just a thought! ❤

[@skys_limit73]

Great episode! Loved it! Nice info, thanks!

[@regnar19881]

So I got a '19 RKS with a stage 2. I bought it 1 year old slightly used. I did my 2nd oil change on the trans before winter storage- both time I got a lot of metal stuck on the plug. Overall the bike runs great... figured I'll wait until total failure before fixing since it's out of warranty.

[@metalworx4765]

When I move to FL, I’ll look up your shop 👍 need some work done on my Low Rider S.

[@timr4853]

Chris really rounds this channel out! I want to see him build a sport bike engine out!

[@white_devil73]

I've got a 2020 Breakout 114 that's cammed and tuned. I haven't had any issues as of yet. Fingers crossed. Luckily I've got a great dealer and a warranty forever on the motor and gear box.

[@RFXLR]

Why would you upgrade the engine and not upgrade the transmission? I would never put a big block engine in front of a stock 4L60 in a Chevy and expect to run it hard. I’m new to Harleys so am I wrong?

[@zachfetter5710]

Blocks 131 has similar numbers but he didn’t mess with the drivetrain. Chris explains how the compensator evenly distributes power and the belt drive also has similar properties to distribute power evenly. This guy removed all of those parts and put 164 foot pounds of torque down metal to metal.

[@RFXLR]

@@zachfetter5710 and there you have it. I knew Block upgraded the clutch but wasn’t sure if anything else was done

[@302BAGGER]

My favorite part is when they tell you to spend that money, and the install was sponsored!!! Don’t mind me I’m a jelous prick!!

[@RandomGarageUSA]

You guys didn't talk at all about his aftermarket clutch. If dude had a stock clutch, even with all his other shock-loading upgrades, his tranny might have survived. There's a reason HD doesn't update their clutch with a 128/131 build: to save the tranny. (I had a 114 stage 3 in 2018 and back then the kit came with stronger clutch springs, now it doesn't). You put the grudge box in, now the customer will break the next weakest link. My guess is that the crank will twist (unless it's been welded). Otherwise the bolts will pull out of the rear sprocket. Time will tell.

[@4wdiesels]

Straight cut gears will add strength but will definitely make more noise. Gear ⚙️ whine is sometimes nice if it's not overwhelming. It adds to the character of the machine. I would love to know if there is a discernable sound difference between the Baker and stock H-D out on the highway.

[@kpnomad7]

I had the dds7 installed in my 17 ultra, after losing 3rd in stock transmission. No extra noise, but DDS has more crosscut vs grudge box straight cut!

[@christophercollins868]

"We put the customers to work." "Yea well. You think youre ganna stand around here and do nothing? F**k no!" Sign me up! Id gladly head down y'alls way for work on my bike and the oppurtunity to help out and learn! 🤘😁

[@trollingpatroll7196]

amazing content and love your bond with Chris is really nice, always fun to watch you both and also learn new stuff, thanks for sharing all the stuff you share and helping us learn and have fun at the same time

[@arukaa3655]

I like him so much, i wish he work on my lowrider s ... but i am from Austria :D Great Videos ! Love it

[@Paul20661]

Great episode guys, Chris did a fantastic job explaining it

[@jasonbreedlove495]

One cool vid guys. Thanks for all the insight on the transmission and drive train. The fact Chris broke down all of the components, and what upgrading certain parts and not others, how it effects the drive train. Alot of good info, keep it up.

[@paulbronnenberg2075]

I LUVVVV this kinda stuff ! The "Daddy" Chris lmao ..... Learn alot from this ... NOT that I will ever use it but it is good stuff to know. I thought your & 'Daddy' Chris comments about H-D quality and the reasons why the trans failed were spot on. THANKS for sharing !!!

[@wadejackson1091]

I really loved this video. The information explained in a way I can understand thanks guys.

[@a69dugger]

Did you guys change the bearings/races in the case or was it a drop in?

[@tomcalder4836]

I learned a lot in this one! Thanx for the great work you do 👍🏻🤘🏻👊🏻

[@michaelmitchell5909]

More mechanics should do work like Chris does.....ive had nightmare experiences...especially here in Pa. If I was even remotelyclose to you I'd be a loyal customer for sure. Love the content and what you stand for man....

[@kennethwise7108]

You'd be better off just building your own motorcycle and spec'ing it the way you want it instead of buying one for 25k-30k only to end up having to upgrade everything. That's what I'd do if I was going to try to get more power out of the mill.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

@@kennethwise7108 all my engine work needs will go to GMS racing in uniontown from now on. Greg Dahl is his name. He's like Keenan tatro but with modern engines.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

@@michaelmitchell5909that dude has a hell of a reputation

[@alfredomiranda7002]

Very nice content and very informative. My question is installing the star racing compensator ramp and the Aims Variable pressure clutch will it strengthen the drivetrain.

[@ShorbE82]

Would love to see more of HorsepowerBae's work!!! Even some legit tutorials now and again. He does a good job explaining

[@BlockheadMoto]

We have a lot of tutorials and insightful content incoming!

[@billiardbago7500]

This is where the big bang came from.

[@clarkbabin9799]

Doesn't matter if it's a bike or a cage. You can't do serious upgrades to your engine without making sure your transmission can handle the power. I've seen plenty of guys that have done only the engine and ended up having to replace the transmission for the same reason you have there. Baker has been a go to for plenty of builds I've seen. From everything I've seen your engine will die before your left on the road side with a baker. Once again congratulations on the shop guys.

[@2wheeledkrises]

Man i love chris so much! all his knowledge is amazing! Id love to work with a guy like him :).

[@TheQuartermaster55]

I really want to know what Chris' opinion on the manowar compensator is. From what I have seen they seem to be a really good option compared to stock, and still deliver power better. Would love to know!

[@RobAshton44]

I have it and it's fantastic . It's a must buy if your running high horse abs tq

[@fps636]

This is really good stuff. Informative and super interesting. The pair up of you two is going to do nothing but skyrocket. Yeah, I hit that bit--!!!!

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks FPS!

[@jamesco0329]

I liked and subscribed from the first video I watched. Y'alls videos kick so much ass. This one's no exception.

[@shane8493]

I learned a lot from this video. Thanks Block & Chris

[@stephananstey2522]

Great content, I clicked the F$&"*÷; button, new follower from 🇨🇦! cheers

[@lonestar.48]

This is a freaking great video. I don’t know anything about the inner working of motorcycles. I just ride but I gained some knowledge today. Thank you guys for that.

[@sway0221]

What's cool??? You all showing great content...What's even cooler? Your master level mechanic with 25 years Experience!!!!!

[@krispy1k]

Great video! I learned a ton from it!

[@billding74]

GREAT episode! Very informative. Thanks!

[@charnath]

I'm sure I missed something, but does Chris still work at Harley as well? What's the split?

[@n.mcneil4066]

I gotta say one thing for Harley; they're easier to work on. Can you imagine how involved a similar repair would be on a Honda?

[@SYOTOS86]

Bro I really enjoyed this video... You guys should do more of these where Chris diagnoses and talks us through the repairs. Amazing video guys, I'll probably watch it a few times!!!

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks SYOTOS, more content like this one the way!

[@SYOTOS86]

@@BlockheadMoto looking forward to it bro

[@rob8379]

62% is less than 65%, what it used to be.

[@sean8470]

triumph!!! no need to aftermarket and correct what should have been right from the factory

[@warsteel1]

Great content, lots of interesting information thanks..

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

Why do guys think you can up the horsepower of an engine without modifying everything behind it?

[@life_behind_bars]

Man love that video! Chris is great at explaining what went wrong, why it went wrong, and how to fix it. I have a much deeper understanding of the Harley drive train now. Thanks so much.

[@fps636]

Diddo!

[@juanpantoja5845]

Hey man, big fan thanks to u I learned how to ride a bike where’s ur shop located at

[@journeyofjerry820]

this style of video was awesome. first time i have ever seen how to replace a transmission. very entertaining and informative.

[@experimentallightweight202]

Great job loved the inside of the transmission! great vids as always!

[@kevinblane5281]

My favorite line for the last 40+ years is the only good Harley is a rebuilt Harley

[@kurvaonwheels]

My nephew hates when people sing happy birthday to him (who doesn't), and he makes this grumpy awkward face. Chris makes the same face whenever you say "25 years master level technician" 😃

[@KamberBCT]

Any chance you guys can do a video on an external breather / oil catch can? Would love to know Chris’s opinion on this given his 25 years experience. I have 2019 FXFBS stock except slip on’s (no tune).

[@BlockheadMoto]

We actually just filmed a video on that, it should be out next week!

[@KamberBCT]

@@BlockheadMoto SWEET! This is why I love your channel. Learned how to ride watching you 883 videos and have been following since. Cannot wait!

[@abbesire3264]

Went from binge watching your videos to teach me how to ride my sportster 4 or 5 years ago to watching you slap in a transmission in your own shop. Sick growth. Not a better channel for motorcycle stuff out there, keep up the good work. P.S. have a dyna now and work for HD

[@ryanbassett2091]

Well done! Explained professionally! As you build power, weak links will show! OE production parts have there place..Speed costs money, how fast do you what to go? Great job on this channel!

[@freedom6919741]

I have a grudge box and it is loud ! Straight cut gears make noise. Just an insight of what it’s like to own a Grudge Box. The chances of it breaking seem to be really low in my opinion.

[@davidmitchell9048]

Great information and well presented!! Thanks

[@mikeessary4925]

Loved this!! Chris showing what he's going to do was good.

[@roegiersmusic]

We have enjoyed all of your recent videos regarding the move and new shop but this video brings your whole family back to the foundation. I’m geeking out over the tech specs and engineering details. Well done Sir! 🤘🏻😎🇺🇸

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks Colin! It's the whole reason we built the shop, to be able to have a controlled environment that we could make videos just like this. Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@byDanimal]

Thanks for the knowledge drop Chris! I love it when people are so knowledgeable they can explain their domain clearly. Totally worth the price of a subscription! Come on you 62% of people not subscribed, do it!

[@CraigSmith568]

He was lucky he didn't tear up the case. Looks like a nice transmission. More than I would ever need.

[@wilpagan7745]

I think after my warranty is up, I need to schedule for you guys to do my Stage III. Would be worth the trip from NC.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Let's do it! 🤘

[@Firestorm637]

The biggest liability with air cooled engines is heat. There is a point where horsepower makes to much heat for an air cooled bike. Liquid cooled takes that out of the exquestiin plus allowing tighter tolerances for more horsepower and less friction

[@jamesgriffin2170]

If your oil sparkles more than you paint there might be a issue ha

[@philvale5724]

Hi 👋 GUYS, is it me or is there a lot of problems with the new style of Harleys nowadays?, Just seems to be a lot of reliability problems., I have had 3 Bikes, 1200s . FXR 1340 , and in 1999 I purchased a new Softail Deuce, 1450 , then, 1550 ,Cams oil pump ignition 2-1 pipe. I had to sell it in 2019 through do to my ex female partner , It had got over 55000 , it never let me Down , Great territorial , I have been looking at a lot of your projects, PHIL FROM THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOULIN FRANCE.

[@775summit]

Great job I like this type of content

[@Firestorm637]

All engines vibrate. The chain driven Harley drive actually helps with some vibration to the clutch to the Transmission. Most other bikes are gear driven as transmission is housed in the same wet sump. A gear goes directly from the crank to the clutch basket, essentially

[@bobstevens7997]

Quick question. Do you ever remove the pan after a transmission blows up?

[@sethj710]

i really enjoy your guys videos. im a first year tech (orlando grad! we met at ace!) and chris's explanations are great.

[@sethj710]

my coworker also rides a '21 RG 131. hes almost 20k in on the 131 build w stock 6 speed, man 'o war, rekluse, and a chain drive. 150hp/151tq.

[@tylercampbell5113]

Recently started watching your guys vids and this has been the best one so far seeing content on something you would have to pay someone to learn or even see first hand is badass I don’t even own a m8 but I would definitely feel confident doing this on a bike now watching it done and how you explain and run though the process of what could have gone wrong it like a free lesson from home I loved this vid hope more content like this is brought to us

[@BlockheadMoto]

More content incoming! 👍

[@mikeessary4925]

I absolutely love these shop episodes!!

[@davidlephew2779]

I would probably best Harley didn’t beef that transmission up enough to handle the 131???

[@thomasmarchese2808]

I worked with him at Seminole years ago. Great dude.

[@nathankann6056]

I enjoy all of your vids.. but this was great content.. Chris is very knowledgeable. It’s nice to learn things from someone like that.

[@henrydillard6217]

Chris really knows his stuff!

[@BlockheadMoto]

That he does, 25 years of knowledge and experience crammed into that mind of his!

[@WillieD3521]

Tell me more about the man Owar compensator

[@ccollins9981]

I've been using baker parts for years You failed to mention the price point of that monster which is $3,400 for the 6-speed overdrive also it's an actual real live overdrive and not geared like the 6-speed Harley where sixth is just another gear This thing lets you cruise at very low RPMs at very high speed.