I'm new to Sportsters. I've been riding a long time, but have always owned Big Twins. I bought my wife a 2014 48 a few months ago and really enjoy riding it... But, man I wonder if the engine is about to explode sometimes! LOL

I am not used to being over the engine, or having such a small gas tank not covering said engine... I'm also REALLY not used to stock exhaust! But, it seems like there's so much engine noise. Clackity clack, all the time. It's steady, it doesn't change, other than with engine speed.

Do Sportster have solid lifters? Don't they have fixed length push rods too? As in, nothing I should worry about adjusting....

The bike runs strong, never misses, and really, is just plain fun to ride. But, it's so noisy compared to my Softail and the Shovel I just sold, let alone my old Evo FXR.... The first Shovel I owned was so long ago, and had such short pipes... I can't remember if I ever heard that engine!

 

If you have a warranty and are concerned, I suggest you visit the dealer you bought it from. We can't hear that noise so readily in here! Your engine has hydraulic lifters and the valves do not normally need any routine maintenance, so shouldn't make any noise. A possibility is that the stock air filter (which is actually a muffler) has been changed and you are hearing induction noise, which can sound mechanical.

 

Visit the dealer...that's the best advice as internet can not accurately (even in a video) the noises you describe.

Some describe Sportster motor noise as sewing machines.
Oil weight/ type may make a sound difference.
Air leaks, misfires, component rattle...all possible.

Might be that DK Customs parts makes an insert that is to help quiet a Sportster motor. I believe it installs into the rocker. Do a search.

Tip: Wear some ear plugs and go for a test drive. Listen for any peculiar noise.

Yes, the engine vibrations and motor noises (and clunking gearbox) are Harley unique.

Good luck.

 

Yeah DK sells something called Rocker Lockers. I bought a set for mine to kill the clicking sound just haven't had the ***** to install them yet...

 

Guys, I promise I'm used to Harleys making noises. I always get weirded out the time I've driven buddies' bike with windshields because of all the new noises. LOL

It sounds like lifter noise more than anything... It is a very even noise. Sewing machine is not a bad description. Just a loud one! I'm sure I'm over-worried.

I do think it's still under factory warranty, actually. (I bought it used, from an independent dealer. But, I do believe there is still some factory warranty left... Gotta go look at the paperwork again).

 

my dealer says the sportsters are more noisy with SE sync3 oil, next oil change iam going to try redline
but the sportster is more noisy then a big twin, i hate the sound on mine bought the rocker lockers from dk think ill get then in when i get the in for oil change
regards
Sören

 

Please let us know how well the Rocker Lockers do at curing the ticking sound! Thank you

 

Do Rocker Lockers work on a Sporty???

 

I have 2 Sportsters and a FatBob and yes, the Sportys produce more mechanical sounds. But I've had both of them thoroughly gone over more than once and separate shops agree.....normal. Tappets are self-adjusting, so nothing much to do.

The sound I hear so often on many Sportys is the heat shields. No matter how tight the clamps are on the heat shields, they rattle like a bucket of bolts.

 

They are noisy. When I first got my 48 I wondered about it too. That little tank does nothing to block the sound. When I switched to the 3.3 gal tank I was surprised how much it dampened the valve train noise. As to the Rocker Lockers. I installed a set on mine but found my rocker shafts were not loose so it didnt make a difference but its cheap insurance against increasing noise as the motor wears.