I called the dealer and they say it's normal for the new 96 inch but I still have my doubts. Between the starter engaging and the motor turning over I hear a loud clunk that can be felt thoughtout the bike. Comments anyone?

 

I own a 2007 Deuce and it is the first Harley I have owned. Had the same concerns and have found that it suppose to be normal. I still can't get used to it though. It definitely doesn't sound like it is something that should be normal, but they say it is.

 

normal

 

NORMAL.When you start it cold, it's not bad, but after it gets hot, it takes longer to start the motor and the clunking gets louder.

 

Yep, it's normal.

 

I have the same sound... I hope it's normal.

 

It's that wonderfull compensating sprocket that makes the noise. Same thing that makes clatter when lugging the bike. Normal? For the time being, we're all stuck with it.
Ron

 

I got that clunk from day 1. Used to it now. It is quite effective for people standing nearby in the street when you start the bike.... I think it auto-arms their pacemakers !! I will put it down to STYLE !

 

Yup, they do that. The local dealer says it's because they redesigned the starter drive to deal with the bigger engine.

 

The sound is normal to the 96" motor. They redesigned the starter drive system for the '07's. They eliminated the jack shaft used on the earlier models and installed a high torque starter. You get used to it after a while.