M8... Noisy....?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
M8... Noisy....?
Anybody find the M8 (114) top end to be a bit noisy when rolling on the throttle under load?
Clacky...
I don't know. This M8 is my first BT. Currently it's completely stock. I'm not used to having quiet exhaust and being able to really hear the motor run. My Nightster doesn't seem to be noisy. Then again, it has V&H Side Shots. Maybe I just don't hear it.
I've had it by the dealer. They told me that it's fine and normal. The cliche "They all do that." went through my head when they told me that.
Clacky...
I don't know. This M8 is my first BT. Currently it's completely stock. I'm not used to having quiet exhaust and being able to really hear the motor run. My Nightster doesn't seem to be noisy. Then again, it has V&H Side Shots. Maybe I just don't hear it.
I've had it by the dealer. They told me that it's fine and normal. The cliche "They all do that." went through my head when they told me that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,760
From: Omaha,NE
The M8's do seem to exhibit some top-end noise as a normal operating characteristic. Since each valve bank uses a single rocker arm assembly, there is bound to be some noise since valve stem clearances between the rocker and each valve is likely to differ slightly. There isn't anything that's adjustable from the factory to help offset this, although Screamin' Eagle does offer an adjustable replacement rocker arm.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
Mine started off a wee bit noisy but quieted down after some miles. I don't even hear it at all unless I'm specifically listening for it. Louder pipes do help.
New or old, the M8 is WAY quieter than any TC I've ever owned, even with rocker lockers.
New or old, the M8 is WAY quieter than any TC I've ever owned, even with rocker lockers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
I noticed it before my cam upgrade. It even seemed to get worse when I went to stage 1. Once I did the cam upgrade, it was surprisingly MUCH quieter, however, there is some noise back. This time though, I think its the adjustable push rods....at least that's what FM suggests. Hoping to get them adjusted and see if that takes care of the noise.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,760
From: Omaha,NE
I noticed it before my cam upgrade. It even seemed to get worse when I went to stage 1. Once I did the cam upgrade, it was surprisingly MUCH quieter, however, there is some noise back. This time though, I think its the adjustable push rods....at least that's what FM suggests. Hoping to get them adjusted and see if that takes care of the noise.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
I haven't done any upgrades. Bike is completely stock, at 19k miles.
Yes, the motor is clacky when under neutral throttle, at just about any speed. When I roll on throttle, the clack mostly disappears. And I don't hear it while decelerating.
It hasn't gotten any "better" or "worse" with time and miles.
I noticed it a lot when the bike had only a few thousand miles on it and I was still getting to know it. Nowadays I notice it only occasionally and in passing. I don't think of it as a defect, though it isn't a pleasant sound. I'd rather the motor didn't make this kind of sound. But I can't recall any motor on any bike I've owned that didn't make some noise I wished it didn't.
Yes, the motor is clacky when under neutral throttle, at just about any speed. When I roll on throttle, the clack mostly disappears. And I don't hear it while decelerating.
It hasn't gotten any "better" or "worse" with time and miles.
I noticed it a lot when the bike had only a few thousand miles on it and I was still getting to know it. Nowadays I notice it only occasionally and in passing. I don't think of it as a defect, though it isn't a pleasant sound. I'd rather the motor didn't make this kind of sound. But I can't recall any motor on any bike I've owned that didn't make some noise I wished it didn't.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,652
Likes: 11,421
From: State of Confusion
have 2 early adopter 107s combined 60,000 miles and continue to be impressed how quiet the top ends are..pleasantly surprised from day 1..always used the HD 360 20W50 don't know if that helps or not but engine noises are the last thing I have ever noticed...now Street Canon mufflers..never mind
