2001 FLSTI
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 160
From: Montgomery NY
2001 FLSTI
Hi All
I have a 2001 Heritage Springer with a ticking noise. When I have it idling no ticking sound when I throttle the gas no ticking sound either. Start riding it and going down the road it starts ticking and sometimes loud. Let the throttle go and it stops. The sounds seams to be coming from the front cylinder but not completely sure since it only happens when I'm riding. Was wondering if anyone had anything like this happen. The guy I bought it from was the original owner and the bike is bone stock with just 10k miles. He said the mechanics at the dealer he use to take it too told him not to worry some Harley bikes do that. I have 5 Harleys and none of them ever had a ticking sound like this. Any help would be apricated.
I have a 2001 Heritage Springer with a ticking noise. When I have it idling no ticking sound when I throttle the gas no ticking sound either. Start riding it and going down the road it starts ticking and sometimes loud. Let the throttle go and it stops. The sounds seams to be coming from the front cylinder but not completely sure since it only happens when I'm riding. Was wondering if anyone had anything like this happen. The guy I bought it from was the original owner and the bike is bone stock with just 10k miles. He said the mechanics at the dealer he use to take it too told him not to worry some Harley bikes do that. I have 5 Harleys and none of them ever had a ticking sound like this. Any help would be apricated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,762
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From: OH
Is the ticking speed related to the speed of the bike ?
If it only ticks when moving, you can dismiss the engine and concentrate on the driveline
If it only ticks when moving, you can dismiss the engine and concentrate on the driveline
Last edited by eighteight; May 6, 2026 at 11:02 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,118
Likes: 11,165
From: San Diego, CA
The way you describe it, sounds like drivetrain rather than engine, but you'll want to verify where the sound comes from.
Start with the easy stuff... Inspect the drive belt, and pulleys......
Also, since it seems to tick only under load, check for exhaust leaks at the exhaust ports..
Without hearing it, and/or a better idea where it's coming from, that's the best I can offer...
Start with the easy stuff... Inspect the drive belt, and pulleys......
Also, since it seems to tick only under load, check for exhaust leaks at the exhaust ports..
Without hearing it, and/or a better idea where it's coming from, that's the best I can offer...
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: The 1980's
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 1,426
From: Black Hills of SD
My first thought after reading the description was Detonation under load. But the suggestions of an exhaust leak are sure possibilities. Specifically, the front cylinder exhaust port since you stated it sound like it was in the frontal area.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 160
From: Montgomery NY
Thanks. Checked the primery belt looks fine but will do a thorough check. Will open the primer cover and also check.
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Cruiser
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From: Montgomery NY
Thanks will do
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Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 160
From: Montgomery NY
The way you describe it, sounds like drivetrain rather than engine, but you'll want to verify where the sound comes from.
Start with the easy stuff... Inspect the drive belt, and pulleys......
Also, since it seems to tick only under load, check for exhaust leaks at the exhaust ports..
Without hearing it, and/or a better idea where it's coming from, that's the best I can offer...
Start with the easy stuff... Inspect the drive belt, and pulleys......
Also, since it seems to tick only under load, check for exhaust leaks at the exhaust ports..
Without hearing it, and/or a better idea where it's coming from, that's the best I can offer...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 160
From: Montgomery NY
It really does sound like a loud lifter tick when I hit the throttle and when I let go the tick is not that loud.