2007 Softail custom, pretty stock, gutted exhaust. Just purchased from private owner with 11K miles.

Once it gets warm, anything around 2000 rpm in a higher gear makes a "rattle" noise. Kinda sounds like either chain slap or valvetrain clatter. Downshift and it goes away. Doesn't do it when cold for the most part. Not detonation, running premium gas, fresh HD oil in it.

Is this common to the 96"? Buddy's 2003 88" is quiet.

 

Be careful, it could be a chain tensioner going or gone bad. Bunch of posts on it. It can damage your motor...bits of stuff floating around in your oil = not good...my bike, so far so good, my brothers 09, tensioners changed 3 times under warranty starting at 1k miles...Even if it is, it's a pain and costs a few bucks, but way cheaper than a rebuild or new motor...check it out and good luck.

 

My 07 heritage could be a little quieter IMHO. I'm new to these motors and not sure this is normal sounds yet. Confidence comes with miles I guess.
One of the reasons I sprung for the extended warranty.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I was leaning towards a chain tensioner, as that is what it sounds like(chain slapping). First HD, so just learning what the ins/outs are. All else is good that I can tell. Runs great overall, looking to do some engine mods, tuner, etc. I did a quick search, but didn't come up with any specific posts. I've put about 700 miles on it so far. When I do hear it slap, I just downshift and keep it over 2000 rpm.

Bought the manual for it, so guess I'll start poking around.

 

My 2011 does it between 2000&2600 rpm

 

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IMO if U brothers bike has went through three sets of tensioners on a 09,, Then IMO something else is wrong..
Tell us more about the bike, built motor??, how many miles on it?? U sure its an 09?

At 11k on a 07,,, A tensioner issue/failure would be REALLLLLY RARE.

the 88'' motors does have issues with tensioners.
Even on a 88" er having them going bad at 11k would be RARE but it has happened.

Read up on the 96'ers and how the new tensioners with roller chains are doing.
here one from here..
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ensioners.html

Ive read of only one member that changed them with 80k on his bike, only because he wanted to when he put in new cams, still He stated they where not worn much at all.



Now as far a some rattle noise, every Harley Ive ridden does make some lifter noise, the more U listen for it the louder it will get.
Its not impossible to have an issue of some sort, but more than likely it just the normal lifter noise Ur hearing.

Maybe,,, For U own peace of mind just take U bike in and have the tensioners checked. The way U'll know for sure what shape their in and U'll ride feeling better.


.

 

I would tend to look at the oil and filter, have you riden a Harley before? Did you ride your buddies bike? or did he say his doesn't do it? There is a little noise in the motors that is normal and if not used to it you may think there is a concern. Most likely nothing is wrong with it. Thats why you have loud exaust so you cant hear that stuff going on...

 

My bike is noisy, always has been for almost 7 years. Exhaust and ear plugs does it for me.

 

Amen brother!

 

I don't have issue with the noise, if it's normal. It's my first HD(only had metrics so far), though I have ridden friends 05 SE FatBoy and a Deuce. The FB has had the full boogie done to it and it runs awesome. The duece is very mild and runs good too. I finally found the bike I really wanted, so I took the jump and bought it.

What I don't know is why the 96in motor doesn't like <2000 rpm in higher gears. Not that I'm lugging it, but it just doesn't seem to have the "grunt" that I thought it would have. Kinda weak feeling til you wind it up a bit. My 1100 Shadow would pull down more and still not complain as much as as this much larger HD motor. That is what I wondered.

All my car hot rods have solid lifter cams, so valvetrain noise is good with me! Love the clitter/clatter actually. This just didn't seem right, so I was questioning it. I bought a inspection cover gasket and I'm going to peek inside to see how the chain is. For a couple bucks, I'll do it. Won't be taking it in anywhere to have it looked at, that's all up to me. More then capable.

As for oil, it has HD oil in it, pretty sure it's not full synthetic. Have to find the extra qt PO gave me when I bought the bike.

BTW, that link for tensioners was for CAM chain. I'm speaking of Primary chain, which is still just spring loaded.
I love loud exhaust, but no ear plugs for me! Though it's not as obnoxious as some.

Thanks for all the replys.