Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Fugitive from justice
Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
Hello Gents,
I'm getting a loud "rod knock-like sound" when startingmy new '07 RKC either hot or cold....Just one or two knocks then it sounds ok.
Bike is bone stock with only 150 miles, but has done this from day one. I'm running Chevron super unleaded.
It is also extremely hard to latch into neutral with engine running hot or cold.....I've adjusted the clutch, but it still lurches when starting in gear with clutch squeezed, but clutch lever release is correct. If I pull hard on the clutch cable and check the gap at the lever, it's 1/16", so I know it's right.
Is the starting knock related to pissy EPA fuel map?....And is the clutch/tranny thang related to stock fluids?
My new 07 Sporty (800 miles) expresses none of these quirks and slips into neutral with just a touch....It also starts without any knocking sounds.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
I'm getting a loud "rod knock-like sound" when startingmy new '07 RKC either hot or cold....Just one or two knocks then it sounds ok.
Bike is bone stock with only 150 miles, but has done this from day one. I'm running Chevron super unleaded.
It is also extremely hard to latch into neutral with engine running hot or cold.....I've adjusted the clutch, but it still lurches when starting in gear with clutch squeezed, but clutch lever release is correct. If I pull hard on the clutch cable and check the gap at the lever, it's 1/16", so I know it's right.
Is the starting knock related to pissy EPA fuel map?....And is the clutch/tranny thang related to stock fluids?
My new 07 Sporty (800 miles) expresses none of these quirks and slips into neutral with just a touch....It also starts without any knocking sounds.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
Are you sure the knock isn't coming from the primary? The new compensator spring assembly bottoms out and knocks once on start-up. MoCo calls it normal on '07's and '08's (big twins). Sometimes referred to as "starter knock".
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville, Fla
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
I was told that the compensating sprocket on my '06 is the culprit that makes that noise, not sure if the 96" has the same primary guts that mine has. They said the noise is when the sprocket bottoms out under the start compression stroke and that it is normal.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
The loud bang is due to the compensator setup that they have in the new bikes. I don't think there is any that don't do it.
The neutral thing will get better with miles but a good gear oil in the trans will work wonders for you here like Mobil 1 75/90 or spectro 6 speed trans oil.
The free play at the bars is only cable free play and the actual clutch adjustment is done in the primary. The lurching is an indication that the plates are not seperating enough unless it is the formula+ that is in the primary causing it. Formula + is basically 50Wt oil and in the cold can cause some drag on the plates. Try redoing the adjustment in the primary and see where you are at with the turns out after cracking loose the locknut. Should be 1/2 to 1 turn counterclockwise from the lightly seated position. If you are over 1 turn out, this may be your problem.
The neutral thing will get better with miles but a good gear oil in the trans will work wonders for you here like Mobil 1 75/90 or spectro 6 speed trans oil.
The free play at the bars is only cable free play and the actual clutch adjustment is done in the primary. The lurching is an indication that the plates are not seperating enough unless it is the formula+ that is in the primary causing it. Formula + is basically 50Wt oil and in the cold can cause some drag on the plates. Try redoing the adjustment in the primary and see where you are at with the turns out after cracking loose the locknut. Should be 1/2 to 1 turn counterclockwise from the lightly seated position. If you are over 1 turn out, this may be your problem.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
ORIGINAL: fryeca
I was told that the compensating sprocket on my '06 is the culprit that makes that noise, not sure if the 96" has the same primary guts that mine has. They said the noise is when the sprocket bottoms out under the start compression stroke and that it is normal.
I was told that the compensating sprocket on my '06 is the culprit that makes that noise, not sure if the 96" has the same primary guts that mine has. They said the noise is when the sprocket bottoms out under the start compression stroke and that it is normal.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, B.C.
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
Yup, what they all said. Mine started doing it at about the 15000 mile mark, only it kept up until the bike warmed up completely. That's what it was.
It's pretty scary.
CN
It's pretty scary.
CN
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
ORIGINAL: Comfortably Numb
Yup, what they all said. Mine started doing it at about the 15000 mile mark, only it kept up until the bike warmed up completely. That's what it was.
It's pretty scary.
CN
Yup, what they all said. Mine started doing it at about the 15000 mile mark, only it kept up until the bike warmed up completely. That's what it was.
It's pretty scary.
CN
So you are saying 06's can be have the compensator knock as well? I'm a little confused, as normal.[X(]
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield,Il.
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
Hmm.......knock, clatter, ticking noise, vibration we are talking a Harley? Sounds pretty normal to me.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,920
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From: Upstate New York
RE: Loud Knocking when starting new RKC...WTF?
07 and08's have this new unique feature,,, when you hit the start button,,, bang,!! ,,its to make everyone
notice your new bike,, and they all have it!!
after 1.000 miles and a oil change your bike shifting will be as smooth as butter!
we've all been there,,, dont worry
notice your new bike,, and they all have it!!
after 1.000 miles and a oil change your bike shifting will be as smooth as butter!
we've all been there,,, dont worry