I just got back from a 700 mile weekend ride through the mountains in western Va. I know this has come up before but.... when my bike warms up and the oil is hot, I notice a pinging/banging sound on the top of the engine. It seems to start ( or maybe that's when I notice it) around 2000-2500 rpms mainly in 4th around 50-55 mph. I use the M1 v-twin oil. It sound like metal to metal. My question is, what is this sound and where is it coming from for I know the windshield directs sounds in different directions. My oil level was just a shy under the full mark. I feel like I have to back off the throttle or give more to quiet it down. Other than the noise, I had great time on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I only got about 38 mpg but that could be from the up and down rodes.

 

I was hoping for a reply from you, the experts, you know what the dealer will tell me....
thanks

 

Howie,

The problems you are experiencing are due to your bike's timing being off and engine running lean! Of course, there are remedies for these problems. First of all, if you upgraded your exhaust and/or mufflers, you must do the following as well:

- Change your air intake to the SE Stage I or somethnig similar (ie Big Sucker, etc.)
- Get your ECM (if fuel injected) calibrated or calibrate your carburetor (ie jets, floats, etc.) For EFI calibration, you'll need either a Power Commander III (PCIII) or Screaming Eagle Race Tuner (SERT). This will run between $280 to $400, depending which one you choose.
- Get your bike dyno tuned by an expert.
- Then, enjoy riding...with no pinging or backfiring.

Kahuna

 

howieheels,
Does the noise you are referring to sound kind of like a loud sewing machine? If so, I’m curious what it is all well. Two of my other friends just bought 06 RK's as did I and all three sounds like that. It may be normal?

 

I quess you could say a loud sewing machine with some pinging on top of the engine, usually when I am around 4th around 48-52 mph. One i give it gas, it takes off and the sound is almost gone (the pinging gets faster and faster) sounds like metal hitting metal

 

My 06 does it in every gear at around 2800 rpm. Still can't find an answer. Except mine does it when cold. Usually stops when hot after 15 minutes or so.
Gary D.

 

My 06 RG does the same thing except mine is constant....Took it to the stealer and they said it was a normal sound for a V-Twin running Syn 3 oil[sm=chairshot.gif] It is like someone sound a loud sewing machine....Any suggestions besides what the stealer sounds????

 

howieheels,
It sounds like you have may have two minor issues. The first would be the classic Harley rap (the sewing machine sound) and a ping. I think the rap is normal and the ping may just be a tune issue. What octane gas you use? I think I MAY know what the raping sound is. I believe it's the primary chain moving around the sprocket and hitting against the tensioner. I have also heard this referred to as "chain slap". I also believe this is normal. Mine has done it since day one, and now at 2700 miles I have become accustomed to it. I have recently switched to synthetic oil and must tell you that it did make a difference….It now sounds like a well oiled sewing machine. It’s all good!

 

I use 93 exxon gas. I also changed to the sny and the noise got louder. I read on another post that someone describe this as a bunch of marbels moving around the top end and that was normal. Oh well, I guess I need to get used to it.

 

All the twin cams have the sound of a sewing machine when running SYN3. I changed to standard HD oil just to see the difference. The engine quieted down considerably, but in the long haul, synthetic will extend the engine life. Went back to Syn 3.