Why do these bikes sound different?
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 107
From: Houston
Why do these bikes sound different?
My friend has a stock 1998 Fatboy and I have a 1997 Fatboy. He has a CV carb. I have a Mikuni HSR 42. He has Vance and Hines short shots no baffles. I have short shots with slipons. Other than the exhaust why does his idle so much more like an old Harley? On his all you hear is that sweet popping sound.
both bikes are other wise stock. I think only difference is carb and I have screaming eagle box under seat. Before anyone says its idled too low even if I turn mine down it doesnt sound like that.
both bikes are other wise stock. I think only difference is carb and I have screaming eagle box under seat. Before anyone says its idled too low even if I turn mine down it doesnt sound like that.
My friend has a stock 1998 Fatboy and I have a 1997 Fatboy. He has a CV carb. I have a Mikuni HSR 42. He has Vance and Hines short shots no baffles. I have short shots with slipons. Other than the exhaust why does his idle so much more like an old Harley? On his all you hear is that sweet popping sound.
both bikes are other wise stock. I think only difference is carb and I have screaming eagle box under seat. Before anyone says its idled too low even if I turn mine down it doesnt sound like that
both bikes are other wise stock. I think only difference is carb and I have screaming eagle box under seat. Before anyone says its idled too low even if I turn mine down it doesnt sound like that
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 25
From: Rotterdam, Netherlands
His bike is cold on startup, was yours cold as well? Mine sounds like the first when its cold. Warmed up, it sounds like the 2nd.
Also, the first vid is taken behind the bike, 2nd next to it.
Also, the first vid is taken behind the bike, 2nd next to it.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,869
Likes: 17,959
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
His bike has idle set too low. Your bike has idle set too high. The different exhausts and baffles will make a big difference.
I know you said the internals of the engine are stock on both, but it kind of sounds like he may have a different cam.
besides your idle being slightly high, you might be running a tad on the rich side, but only an afr meter can tell for sure, or an inspection of the spark plugs. It wouldn’t hurt to compare the plugs of both bikes out of curiosity
the different carburetors usually mostly affect throttle response and acceleration but it is possible to affect idle. Your bike almost sounds fuel injected
it is mostly the difference in exhaust and baffles though, as that is the primary thing that affects sound
I know you said the internals of the engine are stock on both, but it kind of sounds like he may have a different cam.
besides your idle being slightly high, you might be running a tad on the rich side, but only an afr meter can tell for sure, or an inspection of the spark plugs. It wouldn’t hurt to compare the plugs of both bikes out of curiosity
the different carburetors usually mostly affect throttle response and acceleration but it is possible to affect idle. Your bike almost sounds fuel injected
it is mostly the difference in exhaust and baffles though, as that is the primary thing that affects sound
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,436
Likes: 7,129
From: Beyond Fucital
His idle is turned down to get that potato sound. Probably about 8-900 rpms. Yours is higher, about 1100-1200, where its recommended for charging and oil circulation.
His bike is only charging when hes moving. Sounds good but not good for the engine.
JMO YOMV
His bike is only charging when hes moving. Sounds good but not good for the engine.
JMO YOMV
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