Are you thinking about an 07 Touring model?
Hell yea i am thinking about it....thinking they should hurry up and release my SE Ultra......I will put up with a little noise just to have a 110 with a 6. I put up with starter noise on my old cuda with a 440, and I loved that car. So I am not worried.
This from the MoCo tech tips to dealers:
TT258 â August 9, 2006
Primary Drive / Starter Noise Complaints
Several dealers and customers have commented about a âclunkingâ noise coming from the
primary housing during start up. Most dealers suspect a loose compensator because the
noise seems to come from the front of the housing. Customers tend to associate it with a
starter issue like improper starter drive engagement into the clutchâs ring gear. In fact the
condition they are noticing is what is referred to as âStarter Knockâ. This is a normal sound
and condition for all 2007 Twin Cam models.
Changes in the primary drive system increased the diameter and inertial effects of the
rotating components (clutch and sprocket assembly, ring gear, and engine sprocket). Also,
the engine control system is calibrated to start the engine as quickly as possible (short crank
to run times) and to run up to the predetermined engine idle speed as quickly as possible to
provide very positive starting.
Because the engine fires and then runs up to speed very quickly, there is a large torque input
and instantaneous speed differential between the engine and spring loaded compensator
mounted between the engine and the driveline. The compensator is there to dampen the high
torque spikes inherent in a large displacement V-Twin.
Because of the increased inertia in the rotating components in the driveline, their rotational
speed cannot increase as fast as the engine, so the springs in the compensator momentarily
bottom and results in the sound that you hear.
The same sound exists in the 2006 Dyna models, but to a lesser extent. The increase in
displacement to 1584cc increased the torque spike and speed differential in the 2007âs and
causes the sound to be more noticeable.
There is no damage associated with the compensator bottoming.
Identifying characteristics of this condition:
1. It may be intermittent, as it is dependant on the start up conditions and how quickly the
ignition and engine RPM occurs.
2. It will be a single event. Once the starter is disengaged or the compensator is loaded
the sound will stop, unlike a loose sprocket assembly.
3. The condition may be more noticeable on Touring models due to the shorter primary
drive (shaft center to center distance) and associated shorter chain run. The extra
body parts like fairings and saddlebags also tend to reflect powertrain sounds upward,
towards your ears.
Does anyone out there READ? Did anyone read the word "starter" or "starting" in the original concerns? Whadda work for the MoCo and come up with answers to dance around the issue?
Sure I'd buy an '07....but only if my '06 got wrecked or stolen! Certainly not contemplating trading up to an '07, simply for the new drivetrain. The only '07 that even perks my interest is the CVO Ultra.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Not worried about the noises, if mine has it, it will get fixed. There is only so many things it could be.


