Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

help with engine noise/rattle

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 11, 2006 | 09:48 AM
  #1  
robjohnston's Avatar
robjohnston
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Default help with engine noise/rattle

I know these sportsters are noisy engines, but notice a new sound like a rattle if I am maybe one gear high and I give it a fair amount of throttle, now I am not lugging the bike I know they don't like that but if I am coming up to a red stop light and I am letting off the throttle and then it turns green a and I start to accelerate with out down shifting any ideas, this is a new noise and the bike is an 05 1200R with 7k miles thanks
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2006 | 09:53 AM
  #2  
v2in's Avatar
v2in
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN.
Default RE: help with engine noise/rattle

I would check the adjustment on the primary first.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2006 | 10:35 AM
  #3  
molsenice's Avatar
molsenice
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 2
From: Glens Falls, NY
Default RE: help with engine noise/rattle

mobil 1 - you will thank me
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2006 | 11:19 AM
  #4  
drum412's Avatar
drum412
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 2
From:
Default RE: help with engine noise/rattle

From how you described it, it sounds like clutch rattle. Basically it's when you have too much torq being applied on the clutch, and the clutch is slipping which results in either a moaning sound, and sometimes more of a rattle clatter type sound. The rattle actually comes from the tranny, when the clutch slips quickly your transmission gear dogs slam forward and backward on the gear that their engaged in. So obviously it's not good for your tranny, so try to avoid doing it!!! Either drop gear down where it should be, or atleast really feather the clutch release while getting your speed up for the gear selected. Also like molsenice said, try mobil 1 v-twin 20w-50 v-twin oil, it'll help with smoother clutch action, really reducing clutch moaning, and helping with overall operation.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2006 | 12:04 PM
  #5  
robjohnston's Avatar
robjohnston
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Default RE: help with engine noise/rattle

i am using mobile 1 vtwin, it does not feel\sound like clutch chatter i am not lugging it and i do feather the clutch when needed (i have many years of offroad experience), thanks for all the input guys
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RushKing14
Touring Models
55
Sep 10, 2014 11:00 AM
taterbum
Touring Models
11
May 10, 2013 02:27 PM
Keithhu
Touring Models
2
Jun 3, 2010 12:37 PM
Ragin_Republican
Sportster Models
8
Jul 19, 2005 04:19 PM
4boltsiron
General Topics/Tech Tips
2
Feb 16, 2005 01:33 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:30 AM.

story-0
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-6
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-7
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE