I don't know if I'm just noticing because I put a windshield on it or what, but my new 103 sure seems clattery. At 2200 rpm, it has a noticeable tick like an old lifter that goes away as rpm's go up. But cruising at 2700-2900 it's just noisy.

My 883 was noisy too but in a different way. Is this normal for the 103 with 400 miles on it? Or do I need to have valvetrain adjusted?

 

Something of a known issue with the Twin Cam; I've got it in the 2200 - 2300 RPM range. I'll be installing RockOut inserts when I pull the covers this winter.

Here's a long thread on the problem and the solution with lots of images.

The fix is actually simple and rather elegant; it's $15 and a new set of rocker cover gaskets well spent

An additional thread HERE and how to purchase HERE and HERE...

 

Agreed.

My 110 does the same thing, and yes, the windshield made you more aware of it.

It is on my winter hibernation list

 

Lifestarts@40, are you still running the off the showroom oil or did you do an oil change? Alright, someone needs to bring it up......how many members with noisy motors are using synthetic oil? Reason why i ask, I had the same problem with my RK that sounded like piston slap that went away after 4-500 miles of going back to conventional oil. I'm guessing the lifters had a tough time pumping up with the thin characteristics of synthetic oil. Not really sure, but one day all of a sudden it quieted down and stayed that way. Whenever I hear someone complain about the infamously loud valve train, I have to ask. ......Discuss.

 

Yep... Still on the break in oil. Installed my slip ons today so it's better. LOL

 

Yeah upgraded exhaust helps.

 

I don't think it's break in oil, I believe it's the HD360 20w50 conventional oil. The charcteristics is not unlike that of the Valvoline VR1 Racing oil I've been using in my bikes for some time.

 

Wow, that about covers it

Thanks man.


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

 

I installed the rocker lockers last year, still has the same noise, guess is the nature of the beast. has 19k miles, no problems.

 

My 88" has this stupid ticking on the primary side. Not at idle. Comes in right off idle. Gets a little louder till it smooths away around 22-2500rpm? Sounds like a lifter but you can only hear it on the primary side