When fully opening up the throttle Im hearing a sort of pinging/metal slapping noise from the left side of my engine. Dont hear it under normal riding, just when I open the throttle up. Is this normal? I just got this bike last week and has 5000 miles on it.

 

Hard to determine from your description. Maybe try some fresh fuel with a higher octane rating to eliminate one possibility.

 

I know what you're talking about, and I have no idea what causes it. I haven't noticed any problems from it, but I'm no mechanic, so I could just be oblivious. I'll watch this thread and see where it goes, because I'm curious.

 

I hear the same thing, on my 48, but it seems to be a little more noticeable when I wear my 3/4 helmet covering the wind noise..

 

Seems to run fine, and i put the highest octane gas I can find.. just makes that noise and it worries me. Almost makes me want to take it in to have it looked at but with 5000 miles, this really shouldnt be an engine issue.

 

Stock valvetrain is kind of noisy...more so on some bikes than others.

 

Sounds like you are describing detonation. Not a good thing for your engine if that is what it is.

 

So if that's what it is, how do i get it fixed? And what causes it?

 

you beat me to it^. if it seems to happen when you are getting on it from a lower rpm until it reaches a higher rpm then stops that is probably what your problem is. it is caused by an incorrect air fuel mixture. if you can determine for sure that is your issue i would drop the cash on a thundermax or power vision. either of these would cure your problem and make your engine much cooler and smoother by allowing for a richer air fuel mixture. stock sportster are very lean from the factory.

 

My 2011 Iron makes this noise too. It's really annoying cause its so loud at times. My buddy has a 2012 48 and he has it too.
He actually brought his bike into the dealer and they tore it all apart and told him everything is normal. They even ended up charging him because nothing was wrong so thats why I'm a little hesitant to bring mine in.

From what I've read, it seems the people with the Iron and 48 complain about this the most. It seems to be because of the smaller/narrower gas tank.
On my bike if I put my left leg up tight against the bike it almost goes away completely. The sportsters with the larger tanks seem to block the noise (just like putting your leg against the bike)
It still doesn't seem normal but I have a lot of people tell me not to worry about it.. I have a 3 year warranty so I guess if she blows, then she blows.. Time will tell I guess.