Fatboy engine noise
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Southern NJ
Fatboy engine noise
Hi Guys,
I put about 250 miles on the bike today and I noticed that the top end seemed very noisy. Sounded like a buzzing noise or a bunch of locusts or a loud sewing machine. Bike only as 2500 miles (09 Fatboy). Dealer says all sounds are "normal" but that is what they always say. Bike seems to run fine, although it did shut down on me once today (while stuck in traffic). I'm guessing that is normal and is a safety feature so that it does not over heat? Also, are the sounds that I am hearing normal? Are they simply the sounds of the lifters moving up and down? Appreciate the feedback as this is my first Harley and still trying to get used to all the noises. It seems that whenever I think I have heard them all, a new one appears! Any advice will be helpful. Thanks.
I put about 250 miles on the bike today and I noticed that the top end seemed very noisy. Sounded like a buzzing noise or a bunch of locusts or a loud sewing machine. Bike only as 2500 miles (09 Fatboy). Dealer says all sounds are "normal" but that is what they always say. Bike seems to run fine, although it did shut down on me once today (while stuck in traffic). I'm guessing that is normal and is a safety feature so that it does not over heat? Also, are the sounds that I am hearing normal? Are they simply the sounds of the lifters moving up and down? Appreciate the feedback as this is my first Harley and still trying to get used to all the noises. It seems that whenever I think I have heard them all, a new one appears! Any advice will be helpful. Thanks.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 12
From: Haymarket, VA
When did you first notice the noise, during ride, after or when stuck in traffic? Engine should not shut down if temp. gets too high the heat management system will shut down the rear cylinder until you get going. Make sure oil level is in operating range. All Harley engines have some top end noise, especially when hot. Compare it to another Softail to see if yours is excessive.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,230
Likes: 477
From: Southwest VA
Hi Guys,
I put about 250 miles on the bike today and I noticed that the top end seemed very noisy. Sounded like a buzzing noise or a bunch of locusts or a loud sewing machine. Bike only as 2500 miles (09 Fatboy). Dealer says all sounds are "normal" but that is what they always say. Bike seems to run fine, although it did shut down on me once today (while stuck in traffic). I'm guessing that is normal and is a safety feature so that it does not over heat? Also, are the sounds that I am hearing normal? Are they simply the sounds of the lifters moving up and down? Appreciate the feedback as this is my first Harley and still trying to get used to all the noises. It seems that whenever I think I have heard them all, a new one appears! Any advice will be helpful. Thanks.
I put about 250 miles on the bike today and I noticed that the top end seemed very noisy. Sounded like a buzzing noise or a bunch of locusts or a loud sewing machine. Bike only as 2500 miles (09 Fatboy). Dealer says all sounds are "normal" but that is what they always say. Bike seems to run fine, although it did shut down on me once today (while stuck in traffic). I'm guessing that is normal and is a safety feature so that it does not over heat? Also, are the sounds that I am hearing normal? Are they simply the sounds of the lifters moving up and down? Appreciate the feedback as this is my first Harley and still trying to get used to all the noises. It seems that whenever I think I have heard them all, a new one appears! Any advice will be helpful. Thanks.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa Beach, FL
After 40 plus years of bikes I got my first Harley in 05 - Fatboy. I too thought something was wrong given the amount of engine noise. Also told by dealer it was fine - after many miles, including a 2,000 miler in the past two weeks, bike runs great but still makes the same amount of noise - guess they are right - suckers just make the sewing machine racket. Love the sound of the pipes though and got 50 plus MPG!!
Enjoy and keep the rubber side down!
Enjoy and keep the rubber side down!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 640
Likes: 44
From: Mancheser UK
Hi Guys,
I put about 250 miles on the bike today and I noticed that the top end seemed very noisy. Sounded like a buzzing noise or a bunch of locusts or a loud sewing machine. Bike only as 2500 miles (09 Fatboy). Dealer says all sounds are "normal" but that is what they always say. Bike seems to run fine, although it did shut down on me once today (while stuck in traffic). I'm guessing that is normal and is a safety feature so that it does not over heat? Also, are the sounds that I am hearing normal? Are they simply the sounds of the lifters moving up and down? Appreciate the feedback as this is my first Harley and still trying to get used to all the noises. It seems that whenever I think I have heard them all, a new one appears! Any advice will be helpful. Thanks.
I put about 250 miles on the bike today and I noticed that the top end seemed very noisy. Sounded like a buzzing noise or a bunch of locusts or a loud sewing machine. Bike only as 2500 miles (09 Fatboy). Dealer says all sounds are "normal" but that is what they always say. Bike seems to run fine, although it did shut down on me once today (while stuck in traffic). I'm guessing that is normal and is a safety feature so that it does not over heat? Also, are the sounds that I am hearing normal? Are they simply the sounds of the lifters moving up and down? Appreciate the feedback as this is my first Harley and still trying to get used to all the noises. It seems that whenever I think I have heard them all, a new one appears! Any advice will be helpful. Thanks.
Reddog GB
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
From: Delaware, OH
The noisy "B" motor is normal. That counterbalance assembly just makes a damn racket. My wife's dyna is much quieter by comparison.
However, it shutting down on you is not normal. If it happens again may wana get that looked at.
However, it shutting down on you is not normal. If it happens again may wana get that looked at.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Southern NJ
Thanks for the info guys, I feel better. I will keep an eye on the bike as far as the shutting down is concerned. That was the first time that ever happened. Still have 2 more months of warranty so if anything else happens, I'll be sure to take it in.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,357
Likes: 11
From: The Lone Star State
Ride the crap out of it for the next two months and see what happens. Make sure to get anything fixed you can under warranty.
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