I just picked up a 2001 Fatboy with 4300 miles on it. It is fairly stock with a set of Harley (Screamin Eagle) slip ons and rejet (carbed bike). I have no complaints with this bike other than one issue which I know has been addressed a hundred times but I just needed some simple feedback......The power band for a stock twin cam is more than acceptable, the pickup, decel, idle, etc is fine, however.......upon accel or at constant load (steady 2000 rpms or greater) there seems to be a lot of valve train noise coming from beneath the tank. I see a lot of fellas (ad ladies) just cant stant the racket, but that doesnt bother me as much as what may be happening on the interior of the powerplant. If I knew all was ok and that's just how a twin cam sounds I'd live with it. I just need reassurance nothing negative is happening on the interior and one day its just gonna grenade on me!
I have heard mixed opinions on types of oil including one fella using a 60 wt oil in his twin cam. Ive used 60 wt in my shovelhead and it really did deaden most of the engine noise.
Is this recommended to use a heavier weight oil on these twin cams? I checked with the dealer and there was no campaign or recall on my bike and as I said she really does run terrific but just really noisy.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'd have someone in your area take a peak inside the cam chest to see if all is well in there, for starters.
Should be relatively quiet.
Scott

 

next time you go for a ride squeeze the gas tanks with your legs and see if the noise goes away. loose gas tanks make noise also

 

Thanks for the input. The tank is secure.....I'll have to Do some further research on it. I understand there was a recall or campaign on replacing the cam bearings?.....I'm not well versed in the twin cam category as I come from a shovelhead and evo background....similar in design but yet two different animals all together. I'm just a fella that loves to ride and need to familiarize myself with this more-modern machine and its quirks and attributes.
Any further info or input is welcome.
Thanks again