I know that some valve/lifter noise is normal but also that the intensity may vary between oils. What oil would you use to minimize the sound level from valves/lifters? Red Line 20W50? It it possible to use Red Line 20W60HD or is it to thick? Riding temperature is around 50-85 F and bike always stays in a warm garage at standstill.

 

If the lifters are that loud then maybe you need to swap them to a high performance type.
I have always run Amsoil 20W-50. I've read how some experienced more noise with Amsoil but I don't.
I wouldn't start using higher viscosity than recommended.
Try mobil 1.

 

They are not very loud. The ticking sound is normal for a Harley TwinCam but it would be nice to minimize it as much as possible.

 

Phillips makes a 25W-60 radial engine oil for aircraft. That's fairly thick. If you think about it, a Harley engine is nothing more than a "pie slice" of a radial engine.

 

Food for thought ... Could it be the rocker shafts you're hearing?

http://www.rockout.biz/the-rockout-difference

http://rockerlockers.com/

 

add lucas or stp additive or hyperlube..

 

The lifters are hydraulic... 'good' chance it's not them... unless you have a collapsed lifter

but like Larry said.. probably the rockers... I think I'll add a set of the rocker-lockers to my engine project.

If you're running a late model twin-cam, I would not put a modifier in the oil to make it thicker.. oil flow is not the best on these in stock form.

 

I've tried a lot of oils, I mean a LOT of oils lol. My experience as to noise... Mobil 1 20-50 V-Twin is the worst, Spectro 25-60 dino oil is the best.

Cheers

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For ROCKOUT information & purchasing please click the LINKS below...

 

I've also found the Mobil 1 20W-50 V-Twin to be the worst for noise; I couldn't dump that junk out fast enough! I've found Valvoline VR1 SAE 50 to be the quietest of them all but now, a Spectro 25-60? I just might give that a try

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the engine, its just that some oils is better or worse for noise.

Ok so Spectro 25W60 is recommended by "ROCKOUT Rocker Products".

25W60 is a little bit thicker than what is recommended by Harley-Davidson (20W50). But maybe that is not a problem? What About Red Lines 20W60? I use Red Line oil in transmission and primary, works great.