I got my new baby home yesterday afternoon. I think I'm gonna like this one. WOW...what a different ride from the little Sportster!

I have a loud "Clunk" (or maybe a pop, smack, whatever) when the engine fires. It sounds like there's a little guy in there with a hammer hitting it one time at the exact time the engine cranks. Is this normal for a softail? I can't imagine the dealer let it out the door if it wasn't?

Here's a pic. (I know...the fence needs painting)

 

I too went from a Sportster to a Deluxe. I know the sound you arereferring to. Hasn't been a problem, so far. Good luck with your new ride !!!

 

Congrads, really sharp

 

The "Clunk" your hearing is the starter motor's Bendix gear slamming into the clutch basket's ring gear and disengaging when the engine fires. Its normal, the only reason you never noticed it on a Sporty was because its mostly burried inside the heavy engine/tranny case. On big twins its right under your butt on top of the tranny. The large mostly empty cavity that makes up the primary case kind of amplifies the sound a little like a drum.

 

Thanks guys.

I'm looking forward to riding the wheels off this one. Probably the last bike this old gorilla will ever own.

 

I love my deluxe. Good luck with yours.

Ride free!

 

I've grown to love that sound.

 

I don't know if I'll ever grow to love it........tolerate it, maybe.

Somehow, it just don't sound......."right".

 

Not to disagree, but the clunk on start-up is a 07' and later big twin thing. It is the compensator bottoming out, and has to do with the size of the compensator sprocket on the 96" 6-speeds. The compensator is now 34 teeth, vs. 25 or so for the 88" bikes. Harley says that this sound is normal for the new comp. on start-up. Some people have gone to a solid 30 toothmotor sprocket, and some have shimmed thier compensator spring packs( more spring tension ), and in both cases the clunk is gone. Enjoy your new bike!

 

Beautiful bike. I think I have that sound but didn't even notice it as unusual.