Engine Noise
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
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Engine Noise
I am a new rider and have bought a new Iron 883. I have put 650 miles on it and I am still working towards the 1000 mile break-in service.
What I have noticed recently is a high pitched engine ringing noise (think small bell continuous ringing) typically at higher speeds / gears, but occassionally at low revs too.
As I am new to motorcyles in general, I do not know if this is normal as I have no previous experience to compare it to. The power and overall ride doesn't seem to have been affected, I just get this annoying ringing noise which is pretty constant. Also, my MPG is only 38 - 40, and bear in mind, I have been taking it easy during the break in period, so no high revs! I don't know if the two things are connected?
I am going to the dealership this week and anything you experts can help educate me on is appreciated, so I don't get taken advantage of (as I am a newbie rookie).
The ringing noise is my biggest concern as my quick "google" search presented a couple of "not good" scenarios.
Many Thanks.
What I have noticed recently is a high pitched engine ringing noise (think small bell continuous ringing) typically at higher speeds / gears, but occassionally at low revs too.
As I am new to motorcyles in general, I do not know if this is normal as I have no previous experience to compare it to. The power and overall ride doesn't seem to have been affected, I just get this annoying ringing noise which is pretty constant. Also, my MPG is only 38 - 40, and bear in mind, I have been taking it easy during the break in period, so no high revs! I don't know if the two things are connected?
I am going to the dealership this week and anything you experts can help educate me on is appreciated, so I don't get taken advantage of (as I am a newbie rookie).
The ringing noise is my biggest concern as my quick "google" search presented a couple of "not good" scenarios.
Many Thanks.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 88
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From: friendly WV
im not sure but i just bought my 883 last year i was woried that i got screwed to but it still runs good and i had the same concerns and asked the same question on hear and to a couple of older guys who have had sportsters before i ride with and they all told me that sportsters all have alot of engine noise mine is still there and i dont really notice it unless i listen for in cause im used to it try searching engine noise in the sportster forum on here there should be other stuff
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 375
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From: Jackson NJ
Low MPG is normal in the break-in period.
At this stage in the bikes life; if in doubt, take it in to the dealer. Can you localize where the ringing is coming from? Have you checked that any of the metalwork around the exhausts have not worked their way loose. I've heard a ringing noise and it was traced to loose header bolts
At this stage in the bikes life; if in doubt, take it in to the dealer. Can you localize where the ringing is coming from? Have you checked that any of the metalwork around the exhausts have not worked their way loose. I've heard a ringing noise and it was traced to loose header bolts
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,541
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From: Elyria, OH
Some people on here will tell you to Break it in Hard.... rings will seat better. if it's ringing at idle, I would check to see if anything is loose by putting your hand on fenders or things like that to see if it stops.... also, did you put a gremlin bell on it?
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
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I heard a ringing in my ear, won that race and every race since...
Hi GN Lee,
Sorry, can't help you with the ringing noise although it does remind me of a joke about two race horses and a talking dog... Perhaps you could debug by applying duct tape and a cotton swab to various parts, in turn, to isolate and rule out any parts that may be vibrating in sympathy.
Regarding your mileage, it may be that operating the bike at lower RPMs is less efficient. I have found, over 9 months with my XL1200C, I get better mileage when pushing the revs higher through each gear and not letting the engine lug. Your mileage may vary (har).
Sorry, can't help you with the ringing noise although it does remind me of a joke about two race horses and a talking dog... Perhaps you could debug by applying duct tape and a cotton swab to various parts, in turn, to isolate and rule out any parts that may be vibrating in sympathy.
Regarding your mileage, it may be that operating the bike at lower RPMs is less efficient. I have found, over 9 months with my XL1200C, I get better mileage when pushing the revs higher through each gear and not letting the engine lug. Your mileage may vary (har).
LOL,,too funny,,i was riding after putting my bell on and not thinking i thought,,what the hell is going on up there,,whats falling off!!
Do mean ringing as in engine ping?
Run some number one and try that.
My headlight bezel vibrates,,front break lever rattles,,gas cap used to rattle,,sounded like ringing,,put your hand on it and try that,,and mirrors rattle,,i could go on,,but the gas cap,engine pinging,gremlin bell are pretty common.
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Cruiser
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Thanks for the replies everyone! Keep 'em coming. I feel a little better as nobody has come back and said "your engine is screwed", etc, etc.
I will check for any loose parts tonight. I will take it to the dealer this week if nothing is obvious.
No gremlin bell, I'm afraid, not that simple, LOL! It isn't ping and I am running 93 gas. It seems to come from the engine and is a rattle/ring.
Maybe I am just being paranoid as it is so new, etc. Maybe I just expected a deeper, more aggressive engine note but what I am hearing is the stock 883 engine noise. Remember, this is my first bike.
I will check for any loose parts tonight. I will take it to the dealer this week if nothing is obvious.
No gremlin bell, I'm afraid, not that simple, LOL! It isn't ping and I am running 93 gas. It seems to come from the engine and is a rattle/ring.
Maybe I am just being paranoid as it is so new, etc. Maybe I just expected a deeper, more aggressive engine note but what I am hearing is the stock 883 engine noise. Remember, this is my first bike.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 337
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
I think I know what you're talking about. Is it more noticable when goin up hills and accelerating in a higher gear most of the time from a lower rpm? I didn't want to rev mine too much at first but these things are built to be revved. If this is the case try kicking it down a gear when it does that. I'm pretty sure all that you will here then is the sweet sound of the sporty's engine. You won't damage it by doin this.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 433
Likes: 5
From: Warren, Ohio
Well Lee......
there are some good points made here, especially about the MPG. I have always ridden with a helmet, a 1/2 or 3/4. But....if I do hear a noise, I will ride a short distance without one so I can hear better and try to figure out where it is coming from.
I put some Rinehart's on my 1200 and noticed a weird sound. It was a loud ticking sound. Took me about a week to figure out that when I went past street signs, under certain RPM's, the sound would bounce back off the sign.
Before your next ride, check out everything you can see and get your hands on. I had a loose exhaust guard which I could pinpoint fairly quickly. Just make some notes to take with you to the dealer.
Like these guys said, try to narrow it down. Uphill, downhill, rpm's, what gear, possibly what area it's coming from. I still have noises on mine and don't have a clue what they are, LOL. Good luck!
I put some Rinehart's on my 1200 and noticed a weird sound. It was a loud ticking sound. Took me about a week to figure out that when I went past street signs, under certain RPM's, the sound would bounce back off the sign.
Before your next ride, check out everything you can see and get your hands on. I had a loose exhaust guard which I could pinpoint fairly quickly. Just make some notes to take with you to the dealer.
Like these guys said, try to narrow it down. Uphill, downhill, rpm's, what gear, possibly what area it's coming from. I still have noises on mine and don't have a clue what they are, LOL. Good luck!
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