Original factory spoke wheels

 

Yes that's were I think I hear it when Im riding.

 

Thanks Guys will start looking at the exhaust and see what I'll find.Hopefully that is the problem.

 

Let us know what you find. It might help someone else out some day.

 

Just FWIW....

Your 2001 has the good, hot forged bottom end with the lefty timken bearing. It's a solid bottom end...

You have the good HD lifters. The crappy "C" lifters weren't OEM until 2011. Your bike came OEM with the "B", or prior lifters, which were considered really good lifters.

Your bike has the solid compensator design, used since the 1980s . Your Twin Cam comp was prior to the "updated" Twin Cam comp in all 2007 models, that was sub par and problematic until 2014.

Your bike also has the first year of the Delphi Fuel Injection. While it's the early Delphi version (all open loop tunes, no O2 sensor feedback), IMHO, it's much better than the Magneti Marelli EFI introduced in 1995, and still used in the 2001 Touring bikes...

That's not to say these parts can't develop an issue, but they are pretty solid systems, making the early Twin Cams, '99 to '02, a favorite for those that want to build a Twin Cam.

There are two main weaknesses to the 2001 Twin Cam engine.

First are the spring loaded cam tensioners, with link-style chains between the cam gears, and the front gears on the cam chest. Back in the day, many upgraded them at around 20K miles. There were numerous failures reported around the25K to 30K mark. There were also many that didn't have a problem, but it was considered wise preventative maintenance. The tensioner pads due to high pressure from the springs, and severe wear from the link chains, caused those tensioner pads to wear quickly. If they self destruct, they can cause collateral damage, and cost $$$$ to repair.

Second are the inner cam bearings. They are the B148 size, INA brand, caged bearings. There were enough failures that word got around about them. If the inner cam bearings self destruct, you WILL get the bearings all through the engine and it will be a $$$$$$ fix.

Harley fixed the tensioner issue in '06 Dynas, and the rest of the models in 2007. They went to a new cam chest with hydraulic tensioners and roller chains. They also went to larger size B168, INA Brand, caged bearings that didn't have as many issues as the smaller, earlier B148 size.

If you believe the ticking noise is from the engine, particularly on the cam chest side, IMHO, you would be wise to open and inspect the cam tensioners and inner cam bearings...

There are fixes for the tensioners, from new better tensioner pads by Cyco Gaskets USA, to updating to hydraulic tensioners (two ways to do that), or even gear drive cams. Also because of the failures of the early B148 caged bearings, people upgraded their inner cam bearings to Koyo captive needle bearings. The inner cam bearing upgrade is pretty cheap, even if you buy the tool(s) to do it.

Whatever your current issue turns out to be, you should address the cam tensioners and inner cam bearings sooner or later...

Again, if you think the sound may be from the engine, checking the cam chest sooner may be wise....

I currently own a 2001 FXS Springer, and a 2003 Heritage Classic. I bought my '01 in 2017 it had 9.8K miles. I upgraded my cam chest at 19K miles and the tensioner pads were pretty pock marked and seemed to be brittle. Age also takes a toll on them. I also upgraded the tensioners on my '03, while taking it to Stage IV mods.

Since I have upgraded the cam tensioners and inner cam bearings to both bikes, they are as reliable as my M8. I ride them with no hesitation. They run well, and are a joy to ride....

Good luck, once sorted you will have a great and reliable bike. Keep us posted on your progress...


PS- I just saw MarlinSpikes post about detonation under load. That is a real possibility, if you are lugging the engine or added modifications without changing your tune. I don't know your knowledge level or experience, so I'm not trying to insult you, but... If you are unfamiliar with lugging the engine, or spark knock/detonation, do some reading on it. That could be easily fixed with a change to your riding style, and/or a little tweak to your tune.

 

Hi Hattitude.
Thanks for the great info. I did open the cam chest and checked the pads on the tensioners because that was my first though but they are in very good condition and no pock marks on them front and back. I know they are 26yrs old and might be brittle but I do not ride it that much thru out the year. I will be doing an upgrade eventually just to have peace of mind like you said. The bike is bone stock no stage one or anything added. Just the way it came from factory. I'm going to be putting it on the lift and go thru the gears slowing as if I'm riding it to see if I can pinpoint where this noise is coming from since I only hear it when I'm riding. This is the bike I'm talking about

 

That's a nice paint scheme on that bike.

 

That's a damn nice set up you have there ! You'll find the noise.

 

Sure is !
I`d have to put a safety cable inside those exposed garage door springs before one" twangs" and busts up something nice !!
It`s rare, but it happens

 

Check out the labeled tools drawers. I thought I was Mr. Neat & Tidy. Nice !