upper valve train tapping
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
I have the same "ticking" noise - just chalked it up to standard HD motor. Maybe it is more? never really gets too bad and does not sound or feel like the motor is going to give. If and when I do a displacement upgrade I will check the parts out a little closer. Nice bike too! Ride safe and often.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
How long have you owned this bike? Has the noise been there since day one? Harleys engines make a lot of noise. The only time i get worried is when a NEW noise appears.
i have a 2011 streetglide and mine developed a ticking noise after about 4,xxx and it now has around 6,xxx......its been at the dealer for over 2 weeks now and all they have found after tearing the top end down is a lifter that was scored leaving a shiny wear line on my cam.....the bike is a factory 103.....so harley agreed to pay for new lifter.....not sure if they replaced all of them or just the bad one....have to guess just the bad one..... and i talked them into cutting me a deal on some se-255's....and no labor cost to me since it was apart....after putting it all back together...still making the ticking noise....he called me today and told me hes trying to get harley to agree to ok them to put in an upgraded pressure reliefe valve allowing better lubrication uptop.....anyone had this work for them....?......thanks
vaulve train noise
i replaced my lifters and put the baisly preasure valve and spring and it still tapps at around 2000 rpms, im gonna take the last guys advice and run the **** out of it and learn to expect that the motor co is going to continue to produce **** for us to ride .. its like having a little piece of **** pie!!!!!!!!!!!!!when it blows up if it does ill figure it out then. i love my bikes but i think the motor company doesnt have quality all thought out....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
08 & 10 FLHX both had the Baisley spring installed which eliminated 98% valve train noise except for 2000-2200 RPM area. because of the overall improvement this has to be unrelated to the lifters bleed down, but what? Interesting that the 103 Valve train noise is getting dealer and moco attention.
only because it is undeniable that the ticking noise is present and progressive.....gets worse the longer i have the bike...and i agree with above post....Harley im sure knows there is a known problem...but as long as people are willling to hand over twenty something thousand dollars for their ticking machines.....they have no reason to change anything....I love my bike but this ticking is driving me nutZ
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Im listening to everyone and im starting to think that the tight valve guide is making more sends to me because I changed the rockers, lifters&pushrods&steaming eagle rocker plates, the only thing I didn't do is shim the rockers because they were in tolerance...but the reason I think it could be the valve guide is im getting some poping on the deselleration !!! That just started. I never had that before!!!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I asked the same ? and was told to get ear plugs. I used to wear a 1/2 helmet and for that reason went to a 3/4 helmet because the tapping drove me nuts. I switched to redline and I think it has gotten quieter. I know a lot of people that spent money trying to get rid of the tap and haven't found anyone that did. Pretend your driving a ford diesel , or get ear plugs lol