Road King 103 Engine noise
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Stage II
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse, NY
Road King 103 Engine noise
Newbie here to the forums... I've searched the threads looking for this issue, didn't find anything.
I am getting a metalic noise after she's warmed up. At constant throttle, as soon as I increase throttle to accelerate, it sound like a spray can rattle. The noise is quick and I can repeat the issue. I'm wondering if it would be an issue related to poulling out my exhaust baffles??
I am getting a metalic noise after she's warmed up. At constant throttle, as soon as I increase throttle to accelerate, it sound like a spray can rattle. The noise is quick and I can repeat the issue. I'm wondering if it would be an issue related to poulling out my exhaust baffles??
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Usually a "rattling " sound is pinging in the combustion chamber. Not knowing what what your habits are with what fuel you use but try to stay with a main stream gas, Shell, BP, Chevron etc. and use a 91> octane gas. Do you motor around town in too high of a gear listening to the HD sound and then roll on the gas without down shifting? Another source could be lifters not getting pumped up, have you checked your oil level lately
Last edited by seniorsuperglideE8; Feb 9, 2023 at 01:41 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
I am assuming that it started after you removed the baffles....??
Removing the baffles could cause two issues: one possible tune related and one possible mechanical related.
1. Tune- Removing the baffles changes the back pressure and flow of the exhaust and can effect the tune... that could be spark knock...... which means you now need to downshift to avoiding loading the engine at that speed/rpm... or retune the bike for the new airflow...
2. Mechanical- Check around your exhaust to make sure that removing the baffles didn't cause something around (or internal to) the muffler to be loose and is now causing the rattle....
Good luck with your diagnosis...
Last edited by hattitude; Feb 9, 2023 at 02:50 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 555
Likes: 27
From: Palm Harbor, Florida
Just bought and installed a PV4 from Fuel Moto and wow, woke up my 103 (see signature line for some basic upgrades that might help from DK), I know they helped my bike.
What oil are you running? I have ran some that will make some noise etc and switched to quiet it down.
Rocker lockers might help if the noise was there prior to.
Just a few thoughts,
What oil are you running? I have ran some that will make some noise etc and switched to quiet it down.
Rocker lockers might help if the noise was there prior to.
Just a few thoughts,
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8,538
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From: SF Bay area
The bike's knock sensor system will typically stop the pinging... a single click is usually heard.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
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From: Oklahoma
After market spark plugs can reduce or disable the knock detector. It is electronic, not a mechanical rattle sensor.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
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From: San Diego, CA
The Twin Cam Delphi ECM uses Ion Sensing to detect spark knock and intervene...
Some spark plugs don't work well with that system. They don't disable the Ion Sensing, but have been known to diminish its effectiveness...
You can find numerous articles about the Ion Sensing system, here is just one such article...
https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/07/2...ng-ionization/
