Softail engine sound?

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Jul 9, 2012 | 09:27 PM

#11

GlockGuy

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 751

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From: 'Merica

Ok thanks guys. I didn't think it sounded like it was damaging or anything... So thanks for easing my mind Guess ill have to deal w it a while, no money for pipes yet. Plus I want to wait until I can do pipes a/c and tuner first... Maybe in the winter

Jul 10, 2012 | 09:29 AM

#12

Dunk17

Advanced

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 72

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From: Dryden, NY

I hear a similar sound on mine, but I am completely new to Harley so I don't have anything to compare it to. Sort of a fan or high speed rattle sound - I'm guessing coming from the primary? Had a couple people ride it and they think it sounds normal. As stated previously - I notice it less with the new pipes - and not at all once the wind noise takes over.

Jul 10, 2012 | 01:14 PM

#13

mkt478

1st Gear

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

Good to hear its not a unique sound. Thanks everyone.

Jul 10, 2012 | 01:49 PM

#14

quan00

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 124

Likes: 0

From: Houston

I heard a rattling sound at high RPMs on my brother's rocker and in this instance it turned out being the speedo...

Jul 10, 2012 | 03:19 PM

#15

ckal704

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Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 93

Likes: 1

From: Lancaster County, PA

Was wondering the same thing: hear what I would describe as almost an "echo" of the exhaust. Same beat, but just a shade before (or after) the actual exhaust note/pulse I hear out of the exhaust, and it is a much softer sound. Can barely hear it, but it is there. I concluded that it has to be normal after 2000 miles of riding the new-to-me Springer Classic. I think that the more you ride, the more you hear as your ears learn to differentiate the noises experienced while riding.

Jul 10, 2012 | 04:43 PM

#16

rabbit one

Novice

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 21

Likes: 0

From: Williston FL

I was riding a k1200lt and zx11c , got 2012 heritage I hear all kinds of sounds I'm not used to hearing . I love the bike fill like i'm part of bike , all other bikes was like i was just on top of .

Jul 13, 2020 | 08:06 AM

#17

RockerE

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 168

Likes: 86

From: Rochester, NY

Is this the sound you are hearing?

Listen to the before and after at 1:57. If that's what you are hearing it looks like a pretty cheap fix. It's on my list to do in the off season here in NY.

Jul 13, 2020 | 11:29 AM

#18

LouTX

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2020

Posts: 277

Likes: 382

From: TX

Great video, easy to tell the difference in sound.
But I gotta ask "what noise?" I can't hear chit over my exhaust!

Do I need to install the quiet OEM exhaust to hear the engine?

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Jul 15, 2020 | 09:13 AM

#19

Scottieman

Intermediate

Joined: Jun 2020

Posts: 48

Likes: 8

From: Cyprus in the Mediterranean

Yeah Rocker Lockers

Jul 16, 2020 | 09:29 AM

#20

pat_in_the_hat

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 102

Likes: 53

From: Montana

damn. i wish i saw that when i did my cams.... is it purely a hearing issue? or will that top end rattle eventually wear away that bolt or pin? i wouldnt think so since they looked pretty beefy