Trade or mod 14 FXDL?
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
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From: Maryland
Trade or mod 14 FXDL?
Happy 14' FXDL owner here. Well, happy about everything except noise. Two noises that I could not get used to are ticking noise (valve or whatever, the dealer said it's normal, and asked me if this was my first Harley) and shift clunk.
These noises make me reluctant to throttle and shift, so I am losing the opportunity to enjoy the bike. I don't think I can get used to this, although Harley has been my dream bike (before I got mine). So I had to get rid of these noises or get rid of her.
I test rode Ducati Diavel and several BMWs yesterday. Besides other aspects, they didn't have loud ticking noise nor shift clunk. Shifting was like work of art.
So, before I pull the trigger next week, I would like to listen to your opinions. If noises are only issues for me, with $5k or so money, would I be able to eliminate those noises by modding my bike? If not, then I may have to leave HOG.
Thanks,
Dansel
These noises make me reluctant to throttle and shift, so I am losing the opportunity to enjoy the bike. I don't think I can get used to this, although Harley has been my dream bike (before I got mine). So I had to get rid of these noises or get rid of her.
I test rode Ducati Diavel and several BMWs yesterday. Besides other aspects, they didn't have loud ticking noise nor shift clunk. Shifting was like work of art.
So, before I pull the trigger next week, I would like to listen to your opinions. If noises are only issues for me, with $5k or so money, would I be able to eliminate those noises by modding my bike? If not, then I may have to leave HOG.
Thanks,
Dansel
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,082
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From: The Wasteland
Not trying to be a dick but is this your first Harley? Ive owned six and every one of them clunks when I shift. It can be made quieter by running a good quality gear oil. As for valves ticking its the nature of the beast. Now if your handlebars and mirrors start shaking you might have problems. :-)
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 94
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From: Oklahoma
In my 50 years of riding I've owned just about every brand of motorcycle manufactured. My 2014 Low Rider is my first Harley. I've read on this and other forums about the Harley transmission clunk. I have no idea what they are talking about. My Low Rider is probably the smoothest shifting bike I've owned (at least in the top 2 or 3). Maybe I'm lucky or maybe it's the Bel-Ray in the transmission. Does my bike make noises and put out heat. Yeah but it' a Harley. I for one like a little character with my motorcycles. The bikes I've owned that are sewing machine quiet and smooth I have found to be boring. They have been very competent just boring.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,649
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From: Missouri City,TX
IMHO, to be happy, take the hit and sell the bike...I'm on my 3rd Harley and they all make the noises you are referring to.
FWIW, my 2014 Low Rider is the smoothest of the three I've owned and I couldn't be happier with it's performance and handling.
FWIW, my 2014 Low Rider is the smoothest of the three I've owned and I couldn't be happier with it's performance and handling.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryland
Not trying to be a dick but is this your first Harley? Ive owned six and every one of them clunks when I shift. It can be made quieter by running a good quality gear oil. As for valves ticking its the nature of the beast. Now if your handlebars and mirrors start shaking you might have problems. :-)
Handlebars and mirrors? I feel like I was at a massage parlor after 1 hour riding.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
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From: southeast PA
Your fears are unfounded from a mechanical viewpoint. I won't address the psychological stuff.
The clunk (someone here called it the clunk of confidence) is what Harleys do when going into first gear. I've owned more than a few different makes and even though none of them did this, it's not harmful and is just part of the character of the Harley. I'm using Redline Shock Proof in the trans and it shifts like a dream.
Same with valve train noise. It's a Harley and it's durable.
Different bikes have different personalities. You said you don't want boring.
Get over it or get something that you're not worried that will self-destruct just by riding it.
The clunk (someone here called it the clunk of confidence) is what Harleys do when going into first gear. I've owned more than a few different makes and even though none of them did this, it's not harmful and is just part of the character of the Harley. I'm using Redline Shock Proof in the trans and it shifts like a dream.
Same with valve train noise. It's a Harley and it's durable.
Different bikes have different personalities. You said you don't want boring.
Get over it or get something that you're not worried that will self-destruct just by riding it.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryland
In my 50 years of riding I've owned just about every brand of motorcycle manufactured. My 2014 Low Rider is my first Harley. I've read on this and other forums about the Harley transmission clunk. I have no idea what they are talking about. My Low Rider is probably the smoothest shifting bike I've owned (at least in the top 2 or 3). Maybe I'm lucky or maybe it's the Bel-Ray in the transmission. Does my bike make noises and put out heat. Yeah but it' a Harley. I for one like a little character with my motorcycles. The bikes I've owned that are sewing machine quiet and smooth I have found to be boring. They have been very competent just boring.
I think there's something not quite right with my bike, because there are Harley's out there that shift like yours. But the dealer said mine's normal. There's nothing I can do other than modding it beyond the warranty issue.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 525
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From: Brooklyn
I wish I was lucky as you were to get the smoothest shifting bike. I wasn't.
I think there's something not quite right with my bike, because there are Harley's out there that shift like yours. But the dealer said mine's normal. There's nothing I can do other than modding it beyond the warranty issue.
I think there's something not quite right with my bike, because there are Harley's out there that shift like yours. But the dealer said mine's normal. There's nothing I can do other than modding it beyond the warranty issue.
Ride the Harley and enjoy it
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 32
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From: Maryland
Your fears are unfounded from a mechanical viewpoint. I won't address the psychological stuff.
The clunk (someone here called it the clunk of confidence) is what Harleys do when going into first gear. I've owned more than a few different makes and even though none of them did this, it's not harmful and is just part of the character of the Harley. I'm using Redline Shock Proof in the trans and it shifts like a dream.
Same with valve train noise. It's a Harley and it's durable.
Different bikes have different personalities. You said you don't want boring.
Get over it or get something that you're not worried that will self-destruct just by riding it.
The clunk (someone here called it the clunk of confidence) is what Harleys do when going into first gear. I've owned more than a few different makes and even though none of them did this, it's not harmful and is just part of the character of the Harley. I'm using Redline Shock Proof in the trans and it shifts like a dream.
Same with valve train noise. It's a Harley and it's durable.
Different bikes have different personalities. You said you don't want boring.
Get over it or get something that you're not worried that will self-destruct just by riding it.
I know Harley's are durable, and I like mine, that's the dilemma. Put $$$ for making it noiseless, or getting another brand. Not easy because I love my Harley.