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.

 

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.

 

I have 08 and the top end kind of sounds like a sewing machine when its good and hot. Never had it hot enough to quit or even cut 1 of the cyinders out so can't help you there.

 

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!

 

top end noise is normal. My 06 is noisy compared to the honda I had before. I wear ear plugs and have loud pipes.

 

Thats normal noise, I had the same issue with mine, the 96 engine is a lot more noisey that the others.

Reddog GB

 

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.

 

Counter balance make more noise for sure.

 

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.

 

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.