When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
I have an 09 Street Bob and I have noticed on hot days I hear a slight ticking sound from the engine while accelorating. I can downshift to a lower gear, but when I accelorate in that gear I hear the same sound briefly. The bike is stock exept for some "Cycle Shack" slip-ons. Now, I'm new to Harley, but from what I have gathered only putting on slip-ons should not affect the engine that much or require a new map or tune. Even with the stock mufflers on it I still had the same problem. What advice can you guys give me on fixing this issue? How much damage will this do to the engine? I'm on a budget (and I got it, can't really be on a budget with Harley parts), but what is the most cost effective thing I can do to fix this problem. I greatly appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!
These bikes all run lean, because of EPA BS. Get a tuner. But please educated yourself. You'll get so many people on here telling you what they like, your head will be spinning.
Have you tried to hit the search button? I don't remember if the new guys need to get a few post under there belts before, they can do the search thing. Good luck
Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I have done some research and you're right, everyone seems to have their own take on this issue. lol I will look into getting a tuner. Can you suggest any good ones that you have seen work well?
Stock bikes ping. Answer is a proper tune. Get a flash tuner (TTS/PV/SEPST). They all have good stock/stage 1 canned maps available and can handle any upgrades down the road. On a budget ya can get a used PV/TTS and have it reset for your bike.
Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I have done some research and you're right, everyone seems to have their own take on this issue. lol I will look into getting a tuner. Can you suggest any good ones that you have seen work well?
To fix your pinging, you're probably going to have to retard the timing a few degrees.
You can go to the Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection forum here to get all sorts of info on various tuners.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.