If they weren't motor will continue to ping, knock sensors will limit pinging event to a couple clink-clinks. That's what they're there for. CONTINUED CHRONIC detonation destroys engines,not brief events of ping.

 

I've had exactly the same 'tinkling' noise on my 107 Road Glide ever since it was bought new in 2021
Had various (wrong) advice that its 'pinking' or 'valve noise' etc..

I fitted off the shelf K&N filter and V&H Pipes so I got it Dyno Jet tuned & tested / Stage 1 - This confirmed there was NOT any sort of mixture/timing issue.

But the DJ re-map still didn't affect the noise.

Eventually seemed it had to be something on the intake side because the noise was very predictable just as throttle is applied.
It was not connected with revs or road speed.

So on the off-chance I bought and fitted the Harley SE Air Intake kit ( P/N HD-29400246A )
This includes a special K&N Filter and a backplate that replaces the standard (crap) plastic-box affair
Existing chrome cover is still used so apart from the K&N filter it's not a radically different fitment but there is less of it.
It's an easy fit.

In short - this has now removed the noise and (also with the Stage 1 DJ tune) the bike goes much better.

Still can't work out exactly the cause of the noise - but finally - after 2 years - the annoyance has gone.

So - Even though it's a pain to recommend expensive bits... if you can't put up with the #!!!#ing tinkling noise....the 200 I spent on this kit seems a good buy