Bringing this back around and posting a video of my noise. These vids aren't always great, but curious if the engine noise simply sounds out of sorts at all. I believe it to be very loud. I hear it very clearly riding and even over music played at a nominal volume. I readjusted the pushrods (.140) this weekend. No change in noise.

Couple of minutes of walk around should give a good listen. Apologies for the link. https://photos.app.goo.gl/7VbzTvAShxUiv19h9

 

Video doesn't play for me.

 

Appreciate all your advice in the forum Max. Can you help me understand why you asked when hot or cold? I’ve got a slight tick only when hot. Thanks.

 

THere are a number of reasons..

Generally if the bike knocks or taps or makes noise when cold, it is generally a mechanical issue like a dead lifter, bad cam, loose part, etc.

If the bike only makes noise when hot it could be things like a lifter failing to pump up, rocker arms rattling, maybe a loose piston pin. As the motor heats up clearances increase oil get thinner, motors get noisier.. IMO they all get noisier to some extent but when the noise starts to get obnoxious you got to do something about it..

I know some will say that "Well my buddy has the same bike and his don't make the noise" IMO with the manufacturing tolerances and the fact that these motors still have fins, any looseness in the mechanisms will amplify the noise.. They can be hard to find.

 

Turn the radio up, problem solved.

 

Try this vid:
Pushrods are S&S quickees.
Lifters are S&S premiums.

More quite when cold, louder when hot.
Noise seems excessive, even for a performance build. Not really a tick or knock, but very loud mechanical.

 

Sounds fine. Are you sure the horn isn't loose in the chrome bell? It is early 1900's technology and makes noise. I've never heard one that was whisper quiet. Ride it and enjoy. You'll drive yourself crazy chasing things that don't matter. If you hear a loud knock, that is something to chase down. My $.02. I did install Rockout sleeves in my 15 SGS only because I had the rockers off to get them powder coated. It did quiet things down some.

 

Push rods hitting the tubes? Fat push rods and and high lift cams can cause this to happen.

 

yep..remove the pushrods and look for witness marks. mine were hitting.

 

Me too. Clear marks on top of pr tube and pr.