I recently started to have a ticking/tapping sound after starting the bike. In about 4/5 seconds the noise goes away. It happens no matter if the bike is cold or warm.
The bike is a 2009 FXD, with 8k. V&H short shots, SE Airfilter, SE comp and power vision. No issues during riding or idle.
The shop tells me it might be an issue with the cam chain tensioner shoes (worn or weak spring), but if that is the case why would it only occur after starting and then go away? I know it is hard to pinpoint without hearing it, but any suggestions are welcome.

 

Had a similar problem a few years back. It turned out that the anti drainback valve in the oil filter was leaking. Without it holding pressure the lifters collapse. What I was hearing was the lifters pumping back up.

 

Yep, what Blaster said, it's your lifters. Change your oil and filter, if it's still doing it, try a qood dino oil like VR1- my bike was doing that with the Syn3 and the Schaeffers V-Twin synthetic, started putting VR1 in the Crankcase and has not done it since.

 

if the chain tensioner is hydraulic then it could be leaking causing noise. that might be what the shop was talking about.

 

Kind of unlikely to be the cam chain tensioners (also, they have no springs like the earlier pre-'06 models had, since your cam chain tensioners are hydraulic) ... not saying it is impossible ... just unlikely, given the relatively low miles (8,000) ...

Be sure to post up the solution to the issue for others who may be trying to diagnose a similar problem ...

R/
'Chop

 

I had the same problem a few months back when I did an oil change and it sounded like solid lifters. The new filter was bad. I put another new filter on and the noise was gone.

 

Spot on Blaster. No more ticking when starting.
I owe you a beer!!!
Thank you.