Hi All,
I am new to Harleys and have just recently got my first.
Its a 2008 FXDC, stage 1 with big shot staggerd pipes, and barely 500 miles.
I have just fitted the quiet baffles to the pipes (standard baffles were way too loud) and the bike sounds just right.
On short journeys i can even ride without earplugs.
It seems that when i am just cruising, 30mph in 2nd or 3rd with the throttle barely open, i can hear a tapping sound,i think its coming from the top of the engine, maybe the valves. get on the throttle and the noise goes away, or close the throttle and the noise is gone. Bike runs great.
I am sure its not knocking from a lean engine (its called pinking in the uk) as that would happen under load.
My question is, is this typicallywhat a Harley enginesounds like ? we all know what the Harley exhaust sound is but is this what to expect from the engine.
Thanks,
Jeff.

 

Check your exhaust studs and make sure the pipes are not loose. When I put on my big radius pipes they loosened after about 500 mi. Might be causing the noise

 

A slight ticking or tapping sound is 'normal' valvetrain noise for HD's. Do you hear it at idle?

 

don't ask your dealer, they'll say its "normal" LOL

 

Without hearing it cant say for sure. Being your a new Harley rider know this; chances are what your hearing is the rockers. Totally normal for a harley. HK made a good point; If you hear it at idle.........go have it check out.

Hey how come u aint riding a trump? lol (Triumph here in the US)

Also Is the bike an import direct from harley? Or did ya get it here in the states?

 

Hi,
Thanks for the replies,
pwer pla, dont think its the headers loose as theres no backfiring.
hk_shooter, no the sound is not present at idle
Varmint, bought the bike here in the UK, even though the Triumph is a good bike ive never really fancied one.ive always wanted a Harley.And your probably right and its just the sound of a Harley engine.
Jeff.

 

I'd almost guarantee it's just valvetrain slop. I've had the same thing since about 2000 miles and have even considered putting adjustable pushrods to tighten it up, but I ain't sure even that'll help. The Twin Cams are just noisier than the older Evos, or even a tight shovel.

Check your pipes, exhaust shields, and air cleaner to be sure it's all tight ... then just ride it and put up with it like the rest of us.

 

No sound at idle?.......hearing it when your inbetween the shift and winding out? (steady 30 mph in 3rd) it's rocker and valves, one in the same, all is good. The noise your hearing, just to be safe, is there a way for you to ride another bikeb4 going to the stealer?

just looking to help out our BRIT brothers in any way we can

 

congrats on your new bike ---good choice. hope you have many years of happy riding

 

CONGRATS ON THE BIKE JUST REMEMBER IF ANYTHING IS WRONG AT LEAST YOU HAVE A WARRENTY