So some of you guys who have been very helpful to me recently know that Harley's are very new to me..... Just wondering what is normal noises for a Harley

Now obviously my engine is a old design and Harley's are very agriculturl by nature coupled with this I've always had jap sports bikes and German cars riding the Harley is a somewhat different experience in terms of noises made by the engine to me

 

If it sounds like a pissed off sewing machine then all is good.

 

Ha ha brilliant what a description

Yeah I guess all is good then. I was just shocked at the pure tick tap noise of it.

 

I always wear earplugs when I ride. Can't stand riding without them.

As a pleasant side effect, the cut out all the high frequency sounds, and all you hear is the smooth, mellow rumble.

 

Because your bikes too loud or you don't like the mechanical ricketyness of the engine?

 

That's a toughie. Every EVO I've been around makes it's own personal noises. Depending on the weather, it can/will make different noises. After a months riding and several thousand miles you should have a handle on what's normal for your bike.

Easier to describe bad noises:

Loud bangs followed by loud ratcheting noise. Real bad.
Loud noise similar to two midgets hitting ball peen hammers together. Moderately bad.
Loud clunk followed by tire screeching. Could be really bad, or not so bad.

 

Thanks guys none of those noises lol. More just ticking noises and one which can only be described as something metal vibrating on something else.

I also need some help. Changed oil today and it's seeping through the sump bolt ever so slightly.

Thing is local Harley dealer stripped the threads when engine was re built so dad got a kit which re threaded the sump using a over sized bolt. Now I need to get a new sump washer

We put a o ring on there today but that obviously hasn't sealed correctly so what do I get for it ? Obviously it's gonna have to be imperial but do I get a smaller o ring a copper one or a fibre one?

 

It's strictly about wind noise.

I've been wearing earplugs when I ride for over 20 years. I spent a lot of years doing a lot of shooting, and a lot of years playing in a bar band, so I do what I can to protect my hearing.

 

Evo's and older are machines... not much different from it's grandfathers and great uncles of the early 1900's, and are very mechanically honest. They are going to make noises and such that a modern design won't do. As long as it's not howling or anything, and just has some valve clatter and a pissed off sewing machine sound it's ok. I love the fact that I can hear that light sssssssss noise of the valves opening and closing with the cam I have in my bike.

 

Thanks again for the replays chaps. Appreciate it. I hate being a newbie.

Any oil pan plug washer advice?