Weird Noise - Could it be octane knock???
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
Weird Noise - Could it be octane knock???
Ok, this is a weird one. My NT started making this weird noise when I gun it. It sounds just like a small rock was stuck in the tire tread and is coming off and rattling around the front fender for a second. Thats acually what I thought it was until I heard it everytime I rolled on the throttle hard. Any ideas what this could be? Did I get some bad gas and this is octane knock? It is sort of a tink tink tink sound. Sounds tinny, like a small rock hitting the underside of the front fender. Weird...
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
Dude, that's my issue too. I usually get on it more between 2nd and 3rd which is where I hear it most. I'm headed out now to get some fresh gas and octane boost and see what happens. I bought some BP gas last weekend. Frickin company dumps oil in the gulf and probably started degrading their gas to save money.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Might just be my personal superstition or whatever, but I have always run Chevron Premium in my bikes (Dirt, import, harley). Seems to always work well for me.
I got a bad tank on the road once (dont remember the company) and I just kept stopping at every gas station I passed for awhile and topping off. Just kept diluting out until it stopped detonating.
I got a bad tank on the road once (dont remember the company) and I just kept stopping at every gas station I passed for awhile and topping off. Just kept diluting out until it stopped detonating.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Although it could be a fuel issue, you may check the following, as it seems to be RPM related.
1. Front fender bolts are tight. Also, grab the fender and make sure the rivits are tight. I have seen them loosen before.
2. Shifter lever is prone to rattling at certain RPM's
3. The horn could be bouncing around and hitting or touching something.
4. Something loose or broken inside your head light housing.
5. Lower exhaust bolts and brackets.
6. Clutch or brake lever loose
7. Baffle loose inside pipe
These are a few things you can check if gas is not the problem. Something being loose will do what you describe. Go over your whole bike, touching, shaking and moving things, and if anything is loose, you will surely find it. Happy hunting. TJ
1. Front fender bolts are tight. Also, grab the fender and make sure the rivits are tight. I have seen them loosen before.
2. Shifter lever is prone to rattling at certain RPM's
3. The horn could be bouncing around and hitting or touching something.
4. Something loose or broken inside your head light housing.
5. Lower exhaust bolts and brackets.
6. Clutch or brake lever loose
7. Baffle loose inside pipe
These are a few things you can check if gas is not the problem. Something being loose will do what you describe. Go over your whole bike, touching, shaking and moving things, and if anything is loose, you will surely find it. Happy hunting. TJ
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: YYZ
I had the same issue and switched to 94 octane gasoline from Sunoco, seems to run much better, the tinny sound has left the building.
I also installed Cobra slip-ons and had my HD dealer install a SE pro super tuner, my bike seems to run cooler and the bike seems to respond much quicker when I crank the throttle.
I hear that the Harleys are setup very lean from the factory and a simple tweek of the fuel mix seemed to make my bike run with more jump.
I also installed Cobra slip-ons and had my HD dealer install a SE pro super tuner, my bike seems to run cooler and the bike seems to respond much quicker when I crank the throttle.
I hear that the Harleys are setup very lean from the factory and a simple tweek of the fuel mix seemed to make my bike run with more jump.
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Banned
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: null
You need to run the highest octane fuel you can find at the pump now days for an air cooled motor with even stock compression. Depending on were you live and the tiime of year, avoid ethenol enhanced fuel when ever possible. Also, try to trade at an active station that hopefully moves a lot of premium,