Engine noise
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 153
From: Snow Mexico
I don't listen for noise as an possible indicator of a problem, get to know what your particular engine sounds like and listen for NEW noises.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,083
Likes: 1,959
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Welcome from NC. I was surprised how noisy these engines are when I got both my Sporty and King. As someone else mentioned, get to know how yours sounds and any new ones discovered is something to take notice of.
Last edited by RKZen; Jun 1, 2015 at 11:58 PM. Reason: typo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Welcome to the forum steve. I would not be so quick to dismiss that noise without someone actually listening to it.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Mine has the sound. Another thing to consider is that the windshield on a Road King is roughly parabolic in shape and the engine is in the focus of that parabola, therefore acting as a natural amplifier of top end engine sounds.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
A new set of lifters helped quiet mine down enough that my passenger noticed and said something, and she had no way of otherwise knowing!
I used the Gaterman GP-1023
I used the Gaterman GP-1023
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 243
Likes: 9
From: NC
I had a similar noise, Dealer tech rode it and thought it was a sticky lifter. Had SE lifters installed and before I picked it up dealer said he thought he heard an ignition noise. Took out PC and replaced with Harley version. I got 15 more HP and some torque, Great. Picked up bike and went 1/2 a mile and guess what, same noise. Had another tech ride it and he says that's the noise they make. Lesson learned. I replaced the primary chain tensioner last month (48000 miles) with a Hayden and was hoping that might help but didn't change the noise.
Last edited by Farmboy666; Jun 3, 2015 at 07:35 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
I have been living with the top end noises on 2 different bikes, tried different oils and such but it was still there.
I recently tried some Lucas Pure synthetic stabilizer and I will be danged if it has actually worked !!
I added prior to a 700 mile ride and did not notice any difference right away so I kind of forgot plus the beauty of Yosemite Park made me forget everything.
Well yesterday afternoon as I was riding I noticed the typical top end chatter between 57 and 64 mph was just about gone and 125 miles later it still was.
Surprised me ! Well for whatever it is worth it did work and I use Mobil 1 syn.
I recently tried some Lucas Pure synthetic stabilizer and I will be danged if it has actually worked !!
I added prior to a 700 mile ride and did not notice any difference right away so I kind of forgot plus the beauty of Yosemite Park made me forget everything.
Well yesterday afternoon as I was riding I noticed the typical top end chatter between 57 and 64 mph was just about gone and 125 miles later it still was.
Surprised me ! Well for whatever it is worth it did work and I use Mobil 1 syn.