2000 Sportster XLH 1200
9000 miles

NOTE;
This Motorcycle was sitting in storage for 8 years.

When starting off in first gear, engine hot, there is a clicking rattling noise that seems to be coming from the left side of the engine. The primary chain is within specifications; 3/8"-1/2" at the tightest point when cold. The primary oil is up to the correct level. It is also difficult to locate neutral when the engine is hot and standing still. I can locate neutral easier before the bike comes to a complete stop. This may be coincidental.
Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing this?
thank you in advance
Robert

 

Are you new to Sportsters? They are noisy engines off the showroom floor. A sound clip may help us.

As for the neutral you should start by adjusting your clutch at BOTH points as per the manual.

 

Hello and thank you for replying.
Yes I am new to the Sportster. Just got it 1 month ago.
I don't mind the mechanical noise (my first bike was a 1968 Triumph)
This noise is not normal. I am advised it may have some thing to do with the bike sitting for 8 years, the clutch plates being effected. What say you?
I will do as you suggested and attempt to send you an audio clip.
thank you
Robert

 

I prefer the term, 'mechanical'...

 

ride it for a few hundred miles or a few more hours depending on your pace to get all the water out and everything lubricated.
That being said, did you already replace oil and primary fluid?
if not, do that first

 

Thank you
I've ridden the bike about 150 miles and no I have not changed the fluid.
I'm considering taking the clutch pack apart and cleaning the surfaces.
Not sure if just changing the fluid will take care of the cleaning.
What say you?
Robert

 

You should be able to tell when draining the fluids,
if you see sludge in primary then you might want to take the clutch pack apart to clean it. If there is no sludge, then you should be ok.
Also, make sure to replace your brake fluid and replace the brake lines, they are passed their expiration date, and it does not cost that much to do.
And also replace your tires.

 

thank you
I'll look into the primary for sludge. May need to take the clutch pack apart to clean though. I was looking for another option to that. There may not be any.
I did change the brake fluid in the front and the pads. Has Dot5 fluid and it did get contaminated.
Tires in the near future

 

Riding for a while to get the fluid well distributed (it appears to be very clean and has no odor) then drain it.
I adjusted the clutch at both ends.
The noise persists.
Also,
Is it normal for the bike to lurch forward slightly and momentarily when starting with the trans in 1st gear and the clutch depressed?
Also,
Could the noise be carbon build up in the heads from the previous owner?
thanks to all,
Robert

 

As far as the bike lurching forward when putting it in gear could be from a warped clutch disc, or just cold thick oil sticking the clutch plates/discs together. Does it still lurch when fully warmed up?