Clatter
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth TX
Clatter
I recently traded in a Goldwing 1800 for a clean 07 Ultra Classic. The bike has 660 miles on it. So far I love it. Yesterday, my wife and I took a 120 mile ride and I noticed the engine was clattering at most speeds except for idle. The oil level was good. The dealer, (not harley) I brought the bike from told me that they would chage all the fluids before I picked it up. Not sure what kind of oil or weight they put it it. Since I'm new to Harley's, can someone tell me if the clatter is normal and if I should take the Bike in to a Harley dealer and let they perform the 1000 mile check.
Thanks...........
Thanks...........
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
If this is your first Harley, then it's hard to judge what you are hearing right? It could likely just be normal noise. This bike is several years old already and barely broke in with 660 miles on her. I'd be inclined to get it to a real Harley dealer for a once over, or like you said the 1000 mile check up and fluid change. That's the ONLY way you will feel confident something is not wrong. All the opinions here on the forum will be subjective at best. Just get it serviced again by HD and know for sure... Good luck with the new scoot! (And welcome to the forums!)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I recently traded in a Goldwing 1800 for a clean 07 Ultra Classic. The bike has 660 miles on it. So far I love it. Yesterday, my wife and I took a 120 mile ride and I noticed the engine was clattering at most speeds except for idle. The oil level was good. The dealer, (not harley) I brought the bike from told me that they would chage all the fluids before I picked it up. Not sure what kind of oil or weight they put it it. Since I'm new to Harley's, can someone tell me if the clatter is normal and if I should take the Bike in to a Harley dealer and let they perform the 1000 mile check.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 955
Likes: 2
From: Missouri
It's an 07. That clatter your hearing is normal because the 07's did not come from the factory with the IDs (Islolated Drive System...a new rear sprocket that dampens the noises of the tranny) like the 08's and 09's do. It's because of the 6 speed transmission most think. You can order an IDS for the 07 which will make an enormous improvement in getting rid of the clatter you're talking about. There are some, including me, that has had the bearing go out of the IDS after around 8,000 miles. Others have had no problems.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 0
From: clearwater, fl
a little better description of what and when this said clatter is made.if it was everyone else is stating when you are in 5th gear. it make a clatter the only fix is the IDS well worth it
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 51
From: Illinois
I recently traded in a Goldwing 1800 for a clean 07 Ultra Classic. The bike has 660 miles on it. So far I love it. Yesterday, my wife and I took a 120 mile ride and I noticed the engine was clattering at most speeds except for idle. The oil level was good. The dealer, (not harley) I brought the bike from told me that they would chage all the fluids before I picked it up. Not sure what kind of oil or weight they put it it. Since I'm new to Harley's, can someone tell me if the clatter is normal and if I should take the Bike in to a Harley dealer and let they perform the 1000 mile check.
Thanks...........
Thanks...........
May just be normal engine noise you are hearing. Just coming off of a GW with lots of covers over engine may not be use to hearing the engine.
If you are are uncomfortable with noise take to a dealer to make sure.
Are you happy so far with the switch?
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: North Central Arkansas
Axel,
I had a Gold Wing years ago, and the '07 Ultra I have now is my first Harley also. For a while, I was amazed and somewhat disappointed at how much mechanical noise the bike makes. Some of it is understandable, some of it is part of the "heritage" of the bike itself, and part of it is downright annoying and inexcusable for a manufacturer with Harley's reputation and wealth.
I ended up putting AMS Oil in all 3 holes, 20w50 synth in the engine and primary, and 75w90 Severe Gear in the tranny. I had been using HD synth, which Harley likes, but lets face it... it ain't the best oil out there. The AMS Oil made a world of difference in engine noise and the Severe Gear Oil in the tranny quieted it down immensely.
Another hint, my '07 makes a lot more clatter/noise below 2200 RPM, so I don't 'lug' it if I can help it. These engines are very comfortable at 2500-3000 RPM and can go all day at those speeds. Other than that, give it time, the noise will calm down a little after several thousand miles. If all else fails, keep the music playing loud!
EGK
I had a Gold Wing years ago, and the '07 Ultra I have now is my first Harley also. For a while, I was amazed and somewhat disappointed at how much mechanical noise the bike makes. Some of it is understandable, some of it is part of the "heritage" of the bike itself, and part of it is downright annoying and inexcusable for a manufacturer with Harley's reputation and wealth.
I ended up putting AMS Oil in all 3 holes, 20w50 synth in the engine and primary, and 75w90 Severe Gear in the tranny. I had been using HD synth, which Harley likes, but lets face it... it ain't the best oil out there. The AMS Oil made a world of difference in engine noise and the Severe Gear Oil in the tranny quieted it down immensely.
Another hint, my '07 makes a lot more clatter/noise below 2200 RPM, so I don't 'lug' it if I can help it. These engines are very comfortable at 2500-3000 RPM and can go all day at those speeds. Other than that, give it time, the noise will calm down a little after several thousand miles. If all else fails, keep the music playing loud!
EGK
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,458
Likes: 0
And MAYBE it was just Santa Clause that you heard?
"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on my new Harley there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the seat to see what was the matter.
Away to the dealer I flew like a flash,
Tore open my wallet and threw out more cash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on my new Harley there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the seat to see what was the matter.
Away to the dealer I flew like a flash,
Tore open my wallet and threw out more cash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
Last edited by RODEO; Dec 7, 2008 at 01:33 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Depends on the bike. Mine would clatter in any gear below 2800 RPMs when hot. IDS and a dyno tune cleared it up. No it was not predetonation. It was the lousy compensator design. I am adding the new SE compensator pretty soon too. Quiet is good.