I have a 2016 street glide special with 400 miles, I rebuilt the whole top end with 110 jugs tman heads with v&h pro pipe. I have a ticking noise is in my the valve cover. Yes it's timed right and no the valves are not hitting the pistons. I rode the bike a few miles and the ticking goes away and comes back, what are the odds I have bad lifter.
I ground down the webbing in the covers and there is no sign of the springs or push rods are hitting anywhere that's why I think it's a lifter. Any thoughts?

 

Generally, Harley lifters bleed down quickly. If it ticks when you first start it and it goes away, then according to Harley, it's normal even after the bike has been ridden and warmed up. Another thing to check, especially after the bike is hot, is the sound of gear lash, which sounds like lifter noise. Check this by riding the bike for 20 minutes or so to make sure it's good and hot. While idling in neutral, pull in the clutch and see if the noise stops. If it does then it's gear lash, and that's also normal according to Harley.

 

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What lifters did you use?

 

Stock lifters, with adjustable push rods. The rear cylinder the rods are set correctly but if I try to set the front it holds open the intake valve and blows it through the air filter. If I back the fronts off a couple flats then it starts and runs but I still get the ticking, it doesn't tick on start up its after I give it throttle it starts to tick

 

2 things, buy the rockout inserts, they work. Ditch the stock lifters.

 

Make sure you dont have an exhaust leak. Best way to tell is using a lighter used to light a stove (has an extended shaft) and hold it near the exhaust ports and see if the flame moves or blows out.

 

Sure sounds like a bad lifter. I wouldn't risk running stock lifters in that engine. They are questionable at best. Replace them with a good set of aftermarket lifters (S&S or similar).

 

There ya go.