I have a 1997 Sportster that has a ticking noise. When you first fire the bike up it sounds OK, After you ride for about 5 mile you can hear a ticking noise that gradually gets louder. If you bring the RPM up the ticking goes away. I've had the lifters replaced and it seemed to go away, but after about 100 miles it seems to be back. I've gone all through the primary and found nothing wrong.
Is it possible for a new lifter to go bad?

 

yep---------------------------------

 

Sounds normal to me.