103 Spark Knock?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 129
Likes: 61
From: Western NC
103 Spark Knock?
As the title says, it sounds like I have a spark knock at a more cruising rpm and under power. The bike is a 2013 road king with 19000, so I'm not sure what rpm this occurs, but I just put the lower fairings on for the fall. Has this sound always been there and now I hear it because of the lowers or is an actual spark knock. You guys ever run into this or any ideas? First harley I've owned, so the quirks with this breed is new to me. Thanks all
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,212
From: San Diego, CA
Adding almost any fairing or windshield can project engine noises to the rider... I road my 2003 for the first 10 years without the windshield, when I finally put it back on, I heard engine noises I never heard before...
As to the spark knock, whether you heard it before or not, if it is spark knock, it should be dealt with... there can be many causes... bad/wrong octane gas, bad tune, just to name a few...
Any mods to the bike? Does it have a tuner? Any recent work, repairs, or mods?
As to the spark knock, whether you heard it before or not, if it is spark knock, it should be dealt with... there can be many causes... bad/wrong octane gas, bad tune, just to name a few...
Any mods to the bike? Does it have a tuner? Any recent work, repairs, or mods?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 129
Likes: 61
From: Western NC
Bike is all stock, to the best of my knowledge. No recent engine work, no tuner. The only new mods have been the lower fairings. The last two tanks have been 93 octane top tier gas. Did run a tank of 93 octane of low tier gas recently. Don't know much more about the bike yet, as I just picked it up in July from an older gentleman that had it for 10 years and just couldn't ride anymore. From his records, all he ever done was changed the oil.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,212
From: San Diego, CA
If you never heard it before, it is something about the lower fairings themselves, a mechanical noise that is now being reflected back to you, or actually spark knock..
The first thing to do is make sure there isn't something loose or rattling from the lower fairings themselves... sometimes, the adjustable air doors can break, or come loose, and they can rattle. Some lower fairings have storage doors that can come loose and can make noise or rattle. Make sure that something isn't hitting the exhaust/engine due to bad fitment/adjustment of the lower fairings. And finally make sure all the lower fairing hardware has gone together properly, and hasn't been left or worked loose...
If the fairings check out OK, then check for other things that could have been loose and rattling, but just weren't reflected back at you before.... loose exhaust shields, loose foot pegs, loose shifter arms/shafts, etc.
Obviously, if it's not a mechanical noise and really spark knock, you'll need to check the engine..... Start with a new full tank of good gas from a top tier station. With EFI, tunes don't go bad, but fuel injectors can get dirty. Look for some maintenance item that was ignored/overlooked, a wear part past its prime, or other wear related issues....
Good luck and report back what you find..
The first thing to do is make sure there isn't something loose or rattling from the lower fairings themselves... sometimes, the adjustable air doors can break, or come loose, and they can rattle. Some lower fairings have storage doors that can come loose and can make noise or rattle. Make sure that something isn't hitting the exhaust/engine due to bad fitment/adjustment of the lower fairings. And finally make sure all the lower fairing hardware has gone together properly, and hasn't been left or worked loose...
If the fairings check out OK, then check for other things that could have been loose and rattling, but just weren't reflected back at you before.... loose exhaust shields, loose foot pegs, loose shifter arms/shafts, etc.
Obviously, if it's not a mechanical noise and really spark knock, you'll need to check the engine..... Start with a new full tank of good gas from a top tier station. With EFI, tunes don't go bad, but fuel injectors can get dirty. Look for some maintenance item that was ignored/overlooked, a wear part past its prime, or other wear related issues....
Good luck and report back what you find..
Last edited by hattitude; Oct 23, 2021 at 09:52 PM.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 129
Likes: 61
From: Western NC
Will let you know what I find. Thank you very much for the info and places to start looking. Hattitude, it's guys like you that keep forums alive and worth becoming a member of.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Ohio
Pinging, knocking, etc is easily heard no matter lowers or fairing. It's more likely the noise you hear comes from something rattling in front. A loose connector maybe.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Carbon buildup within the the combustion chamber could cause a spark knock, pre-detonation if a piece of carbon gets red hot and if the carbon is real bad could raise compression. You mentioned an older gent had it prior to you maybe his riding style was, let's say less than ambitious.
