Engine noise
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 63
From: westland Michigan
I have a 2012 road glide with 7000 miles. I know these engines sound like well oiled sewing machines when running but I noticed the engine making a somewhat loud clattering sound at 1800 rpm. It sounds similar to valve train noise but louder and has a more deeper tone than the higher pitched valve train sounds. does anyone have any ideas what this maybe? i am going to take it to the shop this week but just wanted a heads up on what i maybe dealing with. it just started making the noise today.
As to the others who are bantering away, carry on...
Batman.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 93
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From: san antonio, texas
Once again, thanks guys for the replys. Voodoodrug, I initially thought that it might be the compensator due to the fact that it appears to becoming from the left side and only while in gear . I looked up compensator problems in the archive section and most of the posts listed a loud clunking noise on start up. My bike does not make that noise, however I am not aware of the progression of compensator failure noises\conditions. At this point I am hoping that it is something simple or worst case something that can be fixed at the dealer. I just dont want to be told that it is "normal" noise and to live with it cuz it doesnt sound normal. I will also follow the other suggestions and check all over the bike for anything loose before I take the bike to the dealer. One last note, I dont ride it that much, life keeps getting in the way lol and I dont hotrod it either. I just hope its not due to some part made with chinesezium that failed :-)
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 93
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From: san antonio, texas
Batman, it has been awhile, maybe a month or two since I last filled the tank but I had been riding the bike for over an hour then the noise started. I only get gas from reputable gas stations Exxon, Valero and or Shell and not from the corner Quickie Mart. However I will fill the tank with fresh fuel. Batman I noticed in one of the episodes that you had a can of shark repellent in your batbelt. Do you have any noise repellent in your belt? Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 63
From: westland Michigan
Batman, it has been awhile, maybe a month or two since I last filled the tank but I had been riding the bike for over an hour then the noise started. I only get gas from reputable gas stations Exxon, Valero and or Shell and not from the corner Quickie Mart. However I will fill the tank with fresh fuel. Batman I noticed in one of the episodes that you had a can of shark repellent in your batbelt. Do you have any noise repellent in your belt? Thanks
Yeah its called batfoam...
Batman
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 610
Likes: 53
From: Kennesaw, GA
I've had a similar noise on my 12 SG. Rode a good part of the day, stopped for a cold one, started it up about an hour later and very loud engine noise. Sound like a valve to me. Only time it happened though. Oil level was good so I don't know, maybe a sticky valve.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 93
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From: san antonio, texas
I found where the noise is coming from and the culprit is, the fairing, well something in the inner fairing area. I rode the bike today without a helmet and the noise sounded different also the noise appeared to be coming from the fairing. Got the bike in the garage at home and that is when I could really tell that it was coming from the fairing after revving the bike while standing with my ear next to the fairing. I guess with my helmet on and the fairing amplifying the sound made it sound like it was coming from the engine. Thanks for all of the suggestions and recommendations which assisted me with running down the source instead of just running to the dealer. The forum really helps. Thanks to everyone
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
When my '03 several were breaking mounting brackets between trees and plastic. Was a free repair under warranty for mine.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 86
From: Centeral Coast, California
I found where the noise is coming from and the culprit is, the fairing, well something in the inner fairing area. I rode the bike today without a helmet and the noise sounded different also the noise appeared to be coming from the fairing. Got the bike in the garage at home and that is when I could really tell that it was coming from the fairing after revving the bike while standing with my ear next to the fairing. I guess with my helmet on and the fairing amplifying the sound made it sound like it was coming from the engine. Thanks for all of the suggestions and recommendations which assisted me with running down the source instead of just running to the dealer. The forum really helps. Thanks to everyone
Glad you found it! Good on you.
Makes the ladies pulling hair and clawing each other over all this a little more funny!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
I found where the noise is coming from and the culprit is, the fairing, well something in the inner fairing area. I rode the bike today without a helmet and the noise sounded different also the noise appeared to be coming from the fairing. Got the bike in the garage at home and that is when I could really tell that it was coming from the fairing after revving the bike while standing with my ear next to the fairing. I guess with my helmet on and the fairing amplifying the sound made it sound like it was coming from the engine. Thanks for all of the suggestions and recommendations which assisted me with running down the source instead of just running to the dealer. The forum really helps. Thanks to everyone
THATS GREAT!
Glad it wasnt anything more serious or expensive.
Scott
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