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How much engine clatter is normal?

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Old Apr 3, 2014 | 11:45 AM
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Default How much engine clatter is normal?

I have a 2013 Ultra. The first few thousand miles I don't recall hearing any valve clatter or internal noise. I'm now running synthetic oil and it is making a clicking noise, most noticeable around town speed. Bike runs good, oil pressure is 30 lbs when cruising. Do I need to worry about this, or is it normal?
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 11:54 AM
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Synthetic oil is thinner to cool quicker, which will make the engine clatter more...I was told.
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 12:58 PM
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Depends on what causes the clatter and when it occurs. Cheap gas clatter or too lean clatter is never good. Harley valve train clatter due to design is normal within limits. Hard to explain noise without hearing it.
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 01:03 PM
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Mobil 1?
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 01:09 PM
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I always run premium, bike is stage 1, and does run hot. the clatter is not loud, just noticeable. Going to get a Power Vision Tuner soon, maybe that will help.
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Dusty Bones
Mobil 1?
Yes, was using Amsoil and didn't notice it as much.
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 01:11 PM
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Mobil 1 oil. I run any good brand premium. I ride too far from home in too many directions to ise just one lol.
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 01:12 PM
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I used to wear a 3/4 helmet and didn't hear much engine noise. When I switched to a half shell, I started to hear all of the racket these things make. I asked a couple of buddies and they said it's perfectly normal. It must be because that was almost 2 years ago and it seems to be running fine. I use synthetic in all 3 holes which, I've heard makes 'em a little louder.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2014 | 01:16 PM
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Mobil 1 is the noisiest oil I ever used, in anything. It is normal for that brand. I hate the extra noise so I avoid M1 oil, in anything. FWIW the wife picked up oil while she was out one time and the auto parts store had M1 on sale. She cant refuse a 'deal' so I put it in her cage. Instant clatter from day one. Went back to castrol high mileage next fill and the noise was gone. Other than the noise it did not hurt it any, just noisy oil.

Just go back to amsoil or try something else if it bothers you.

I can pick out the M1 user every time I hear a bike running it, it just has that sound that is so easy to pick out.
I run Castrol Power RS 20w50 and it is the quietest oil I ever had in my bike.
 
Old Apr 3, 2014 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by AnotherBlackSG
I used to wear a 3/4 helmet and didn't hear much engine noise. When I switched to a half shell, I started to hear all of the racket these things make. I asked a couple of buddies and they said it's perfectly normal. It must be because that was almost 2 years ago and it seems to be running fine. I use synthetic in all 3 holes which, I've heard makes 'em a little louder.
Thanks, makes me feel better about it,
 



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