Engine Noise while riding
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 17
From: victoria bc
I agree with this. There is no mistaking pinging or detonation. It is quite loud when it happens, sounds like someone is hitting the cylinder with a hammer. All the sportster motors are basically the same and a different sized tank is not going to hide the noise of detonation.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 566
Likes: 4
From: Milton, PA
Hmm, I believe I've been experiencing this. I honestly thought something was loose on my scoot because of the vibrating metal screech sound but couldn't find anything.
The detonation theory may actually hold water for me because my bike normally only does it after some stop and go traffic on my afternoon commute. I come off the highway and have about 5 minutes of 10 - 15 mph traffic with stop lights. Then when I finally get some room to open it up it makes the noise.
I only have an exhaust with stock a/c but maybe some X14ieds will cool things down enough to eliminate the issue?
The detonation theory may actually hold water for me because my bike normally only does it after some stop and go traffic on my afternoon commute. I come off the highway and have about 5 minutes of 10 - 15 mph traffic with stop lights. Then when I finally get some room to open it up it makes the noise.
I only have an exhaust with stock a/c but maybe some X14ieds will cool things down enough to eliminate the issue?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: El Mirage, AZ
Well, after alot of reading on the net, im thinking it is detonation. I believe i have stock pipes on my bike but someone either took out or drilled out the baffle. I get a lot of backfire on deceleration. Considering these bikes are lean to begin with, and then the baffle gone, Im thinking that is my problem. TOO LEAN... I hope that is it. I will be ordering a new exhaust, intake and tuner.
Anyone recommend a tuner? Just want to be able to get a map on my bike. Not gonna do anything else to the engine, just exhaust and air filter. Dont really need to be able to change the tune all the time.
Anyone recommend a tuner? Just want to be able to get a map on my bike. Not gonna do anything else to the engine, just exhaust and air filter. Dont really need to be able to change the tune all the time.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 417
Likes: 2
From: El Mirage, AZ
Decided to pony up some dollars and get the Power Vision. I think Im just gonna get that first and see if I can use a better stock map to help this problem. Then when I get some more money together, i can get the exhaust and air filter.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
I have a similiar sound on My 2013 Iron. Best way i can describe it would be to say it sounds like a playing card in a bicycle wheel. If that makes sense. Mine is in for its 10o0 mile service so hopefully if anything is out of the ordinary they will find it. I have a DK air cleaner and Gronk mod. No popping or backfires at all. will probably remap or tune eventually though.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: El paso, texas
No popping noise on mine either, I have vance hines short shots and an open vance intake with 5000 miles, mine was tuned at harley by the previous owner, thinking it might be the noisy valve train..
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 763
Likes: 15
From: New Jersey
Not to change this subject too much. But how bout a whiz zing noise on the front rim. My spokes are tight and I have no problems with the ride but it gets louder or faster sounding as I go faster. Any ideas. Thanks
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 67
From: Phoenix
My first thought was detonation, but I've been noticing the sound for about eight thousand miles whenever the throttle was wide open (which is fairly frequent). Wouldn't there have been noticeable engine damage by now if that was the problem?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 24
From: New Hampshire
if it is actual detonation i don't think tank size would make much of a difference in hearing it. it is pretty obvious when it's happening. you may be describing something different then. if you have every had a car that spark plug knocked it is the same issue. does it sound like this? skip up to 12:00 mark in video.
Last edited by IRON1250; Jun 4, 2013 at 12:28 PM.