Have about 600 miles on my new S40..Rode for the first time today without a helmet for a short distance..didnt realize the transmission was as noisey as it is..Is this common ?...It's a noticeable whine, might just be normal on this machine..Getting the 600 mile service done on Tuesday, will find out more about it..Thanks everyone..Great site here !!   John

Thanks Sluggo, kinda thought it may be normal..The belt was ok..I checked it when I got the bike..This is definitely  a Tranny whine..not real bad ,but there..No biggy if its normal !

I replaced the rear tire on my '02 today, and when I reinstalled the wheel, I decided to slack off the belt just a bit over what it was.  I notice the whine in my transmission more now than before, especially in 4th and 5th when I let off the throttle.  I've got 6800 miles on mine, so I don't know why the whine is more pronounced now with a slightly looser belt.  I can grab the belt midway and twist it 90 degrees, so I guess I'm not gonna worry about it, just a tad annoying that's all.