Engine Noise Driving Me Crazy!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,642
Likes: 1,985
From: Cleveland Zoo
The pinging can be caused by a lean fuel condition, as another poster said, "you are ruining your engine". There is no oil additive that can remedy your problem.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
Mine was makin a similar racket when lugging the engine and I looked into it and my stock compensator was loose. I retorqued it to spec and it was about 50% better.....I wasnt happy with that so I ditched the OEM compensator with the much improved Screamin Eagle Unit with updated chain tensioner and it sounds great!! All of the primary noise is gone...
The valvetrain on Twincams is a tad noisy. So thats no issue if thats what it is. Now detonation or "pinging" takes a good ear to hear and is detrimental to the pistons. However if your engine is stock the compression is extremely low (9:1) or close to it and it should not have any problem on premium fuel.
So, I think you are hearing the valvetrain noise, and possibly have a loose compensator bolt...I say retorque your compensator bolt and change the engine oil. Add the Lucas stabilizer (20oz) as recomended at this time.
The valvetrain on Twincams is a tad noisy. So thats no issue if thats what it is. Now detonation or "pinging" takes a good ear to hear and is detrimental to the pistons. However if your engine is stock the compression is extremely low (9:1) or close to it and it should not have any problem on premium fuel.
So, I think you are hearing the valvetrain noise, and possibly have a loose compensator bolt...I say retorque your compensator bolt and change the engine oil. Add the Lucas stabilizer (20oz) as recomended at this time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,649
Likes: 4,889
From: Missouri City,TX
IMO, the TC motor likes to spin a bit...mine runs much smoother at 2600-3000 than chuggin' along at 2200 rpms. Try runnin' at 45 mph in 3rd gear, which is 2800 rpm or 55 mph in 4th gear...also 2800 rpm and see if it feels smoother than runnin' at 50 mph in 5th.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Good advice. Get a feel for how she sounds and feels at the speeds and gears he mentioned. Once you do it will become second nature.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
I love my Dakota, lot's of fun stuff on it like a 0-60, 1/4 mile, and other useful info.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 676
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, AZ
Just as a comparisson: I rode a EVO powered sporty for years, and it did the same thing, especially in hotter weather. Was told by a mechanic friend to keep the RPMS up...and it worked. No more ping. When I bought my TC Dyna, and it did it too, that just verified everything ive been told. As the other posters have said...just teach yourself to run a little higher RPM and all will be good. A tach is good to have, but not necessary (unless you are racing...then it is a necessity!)
Last edited by DesertDyna; May 3, 2011 at 09:37 AM. Reason: lol
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 902
Likes: 3
From: Cincinnati, OH
IMO, the TC motor likes to spin a bit...mine runs much smoother at 2600-3000 than chuggin' along at 2200 rpms. Try runnin' at 45 mph in 3rd gear, which is 2800 rpm or 55 mph in 4th gear...also 2800 rpm and see if it feels smoother than runnin' at 50 mph in 5th.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
You newbies make me laugh, 
throwing money at your bike, instead of reading your owners manual and learning how to ride your bike properly. RTFM! It tells you when to shift (using your speedo). And just listening to your motor should give you a small clue. LOL!
throwing money at your bike, instead of reading your owners manual and learning how to ride your bike properly. RTFM! It tells you when to shift (using your speedo). And just listening to your motor should give you a small clue. LOL!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Dude, lighten up, I suppose you were a master with your first bike? No need to beat it to death.