I have over 12,000 miles on my FLHT over the last 10 months, I know my bike very well any little difference in performance or any strange noises. Today I was riding home from work conditions 95 degrees and highway, I was getting by some cages and was going about 75 MPH 5th Gear, I laid on the throttle pretty hard which I've done a million times but this time it got my attention I swear it sounded like a lawn mower blade hitting stones, I never heard this noise before tried it a few times and same noise, should I be worried about anything, bike seems to be running fine still hauled azz with no problem, I didn't see any thing that may of come through the engine, any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

when its real hot and my rpms and speed are up,like you mentioned i get pinging .....not always but sometimes...could be the gas not up to par...i put 93 oct in on the highway and it ran just like that for that tank, then got more and it went away...probly not much to worry about...these 07's run lean as heck and that dont help at all.....oh yeah mines a 07 ultra got 10,500 on er now

 

Detonation/ping

Maybe something as simple as bad gas. Does your bike have components that equate to a Stage I build?(free-er flowing pipes, aircleaner, and a fuel management system) if not, may want to do a little research and put some of this on your bike, but/and when you do, select a fuel management system that will allow you/tuner to manipulate timing as well as AFR(air fuel ratio) so it can be "tuned" out in the correct rpm/throttle position.

Do your homework, and remember you get what you pay for.

 

I had the same noise in my 07 Ultra when I first got it in Aug 06. Soon after the moco came out with a recall (or service announcement, as they call it) to download a new fuel map to the ecm. Did you have the new fuel map done by your stealer? It took care of the noise for the most part(sounded like valve clatter to me). I opted to go the more expensive route shortly after that, new pipes, air cleaner, etc. Never heard the noise again since.

 

Thanks for the replys, I just worried because I'd hate for my bike to be down for more then a day, I'm planning on the fuel system and 103" build this winter! I do only run 93 in the bike and have never used anything less, I think it just may be the lean conditions as mentioned. Again thanks for the quick replys.