I usually ride with a 3/4 helmet that covers my ears and keeps out a lot of noise. Most of what I hear is the stock exhaust. Today I rode my 2014 883 with a half helmet. The top end noise was so loud I couldn't hear the exhaust. The bike runs great Is this normal. heck I may have to get louder exhaust to drown out the noise in the top end.

There are no clanks or thumps. Its just loud mechanical steady noise.

 

Is everything stock? Pull your plugs, read them and make sure you are not running lean and or have detonation issues.

 

No plugs are OK. I an running XL-vied-14s so its richened up a bit. The oil temp is always at 190 to 200 degrees. Its comming up on the 5000 check up. I may let the dealer look at it. I'll bet its normal though. But hell its loud enough I can't hear the stock exhaust at 50 to 60. I don't here it with the full face shield on. Just with the half helmet and no face shield.

 

On the side of caution, take it to the dealer and have them check it out. It should still be under the two year warranty period anyway.

 

I forgot to mention I have a K&N ail filter in the stock housing.

 

That shouldn't matter that much.

 

It's probably normal. Sportster engines are noisy. But if your concerned mention it when you go in for your service

Did you own it since new? And if so did you do the proper break in cycle?

 

Yes and yes.

 

Simply top-end noise = perfectly normal. You just didn't hear it w/the 3/4 lid.

As far as louder exhaust, take it from a rider w/tinnitus, don't do it, or...invest in ear-plugs.

 

Both of my sportsters sounded like this, lots of chattering, still audible with straight pipes...wouldn't worry about it.