Need more info, is this a new bike to you? is this your first Harley?

 

 

Unless you have a code indicating the IAC has failed, replacing it is unlikely to solve your problem.
Does the bike have any type of piggy back tuning device installed?
Check your spark plugs for fouling. Make sure the gap is set to 0.038-0.044"
I would try cleaning the IAC through the throttle body. Use something like a throttle body cleaner.

Check for codes: (you can have codes present without the check engine light on)
https://www.fuelmotousa.com/p-29661-...ble-codes.html

Any issues with your speedometer? Any codes related to the VSS?
The VSS (speed Sensor) is used for idle control.
The ECM uses VSS input to calculate idle air control position.
Therefore problems with the vehicle speed signal can lead to improper operation of the idle air control.

Harley's / Sportsters have more top end noise than most other bikes. Some refer it to as a sewing machine type sound.
You can read about it here-
http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/spor...-dk-rl-spt.htm

Some have had success with these. If you have a leak at the rocker covers you might consider these when replacing the rocker cover gaskets.

 

OK so has the bad idle and ticking gotten worse since you got it or are you comparing how other bikes you've had in the past idle and sound?
Not being sarcastic but it is a bit of a shock to go from a metric to a spotster, a 1200 Evolution has big pistons in relation to the flywheel weight so they are very clunky at idle and only really smooth out above 3000 rpm, also they have been refered to as a "sewing maching" many times because the valve train is very noisy compared to an overhead cam metric bike.

 

Sportys tick...but it may be louder than it needs to be, or should be. They are air cooled, which is why HD recommends running a heavier weight oil when it is warmer out. Being in SLC in the summer, it is likely you are over 80* when riding, so you should be running straight 60 weight. This will quiet down the ticking.





The bad idle when hot is likely, at least partially, because of the hot, oil, oxygen depleted air be pushed into the intake and combustion chambers. This is easily remedied with an EBS. See details on it HERE.

And, yes, the IAC and other sensors get gummed up from not having an EBS installed.


To get it running ideally, you might consider a proper Stage I upgrade. See some info on that HERE.

 

Did your bike have any mods done to it, when you bought it, such as exhaust, air filter, etc? Simple changes can upset the way a bike runs.

 

My 2017 Roadster has a ticking sound, first time Harley owner and it worried me for a bit. But searching forums I think it's the sewing machine noise described above! Only has 1200 miles .