I put the redline oil in mine and there was really no improvement in my opinion.

 

I have never noticed any annoying mechanical sounds coming from any of my late model Harley's. I do remember my 66 Pan Shovel sounding like a bucket of bolts due to the open primary and dry clutch. Heavy duty machinery usually makes noises. Even a Singer Sewing machine whines during operation. <grin>
Ear Plugs, a full face helmet or loud pipes will cure all those strange noises coming from your engine and drive line. I know many people that would love to have a noisy Harley to complain about. Now go ride your bike and be happy with what you have, because you have the best.

 

I was told by the dealer that they wished coperate H-D would have sent a letter out with every Softail sold so the buyer would know right off the bat about 5th gear lovable noise.

 

Put in some cams and the lugging will go away, with the 26h's in there now she will pull as low as 60 mph easy even with two up. She's runs cooler and the mileage evened improved 2-3 mpg, now 42-43 most of the time..No interstate just town and country riding.

Don't know about the clatter, never had it, that might be Ur Compensator causing that...

 

All that I have read, really the baggers have more noise than us Softies. echo off the batwing.. Mine only has a slight whine to her (Made Late 07) and the bel-ray GL Hypoid 80-145 all but made it go away.