I realize it is "normal" to hear valve train noise. In fact even posted that earlier in the thread. My other TC fairing bikes made similiar noise also. I just find it interesting that on my RGU it sounds perfect till around 2900/3000 rpms, just purring valve train noise like one would expect, and then it starts sounding like rocker arms coming apart till about 3200 and then from that point on it is just hard to tell. Greater then 3200 its spinning so fast its just noise and nothing distintive. The bike is a pleasure to ride from 55-60, but take it up faster in 5th and the pleasure goes away. Ride it on the interstate and it gets annoying. I don't hear it with 3/4 or ear plugs either, but don't ride like that all the time.

 

You have 2 solutions:

D.) Get louder pipes.

43.) Turn up the Stereo.

C.) Both.


Problem solved.

 

Mine has more noise from the primary which could be mistaken for lifter/valve noise.
Had it checked at the 1K.Dealer said as long as it was in spec(torque),have to live with the sound.They even call MOCO on this issue.

 

The dealer said the same thing about my 2009 Fat boy. I must admit it has gotten better over the miles. 1000 miles is nothing. Mine has just gotten better after 6000 miles. Just keep an eye on oil use and running. Anything abnormal is worth having checked whilst it's under warranty.

 

Road Hawg, thx for your answer. Im talkin about Valve Clatter or Pinging as they say,from a lean Engine. Your right when the motor is cold and oil is thick,ya nice and quiet.But my point is nocking,Oil has nothing to do with pinging. My Dealer agreed with me. THX

 

Think of your Harley as a mechanical symphony.

The top end racket is the prologue that crescendos up to the point that the 5th gear whine music kicks in.

 

i have a 2010 limited with 5600 miles. it seem to have what i thought was excessive noise in the top end at between 2000-3000 rpm. i've had several hd's with the last the last 3 being ultras. i took it in last week to the dealer to get checked out. they didn't even ride it. they listened to it on the lift and agreed about the noise. they called headquarters which authorized a teardown and noted several areas which they say there has been issues. this is the first harley that ive not built the motor, and at this point glad of that. (warranty) i removed the cat and put on factory cvo mufflers. has anyone else had a dealer agree to go in to see what the noises are? if so what did they find? this isnt a gas ping, or knock. i think its in the rocker assembly.

 

What areas have issues?
Are these areas a common new found problem with the 103's?

 

i'm not sure of all the areas they talked about. he said he's going to "mic" the rocker assembly parts. he did mentioned that they said to check for the lifter holes wearing. hopefully they will call today with some kind of news.

 

I will bet most of you guys that have "lifter noise" have open element air filters. I have an 08 Road Glide that I put a 103 kit in last winter. I have about 6000 miles in the 103. I am running the Wood 6-6 cams and yes, there is a little noise. Try this:
Have someone hold the bike at the RPM level that you most here the noise (2000-2800)rpm while sitting still, in nutreal. Now crawl down and listen to the air filter, you will hear the noise very clearly comming out of the air filter. Put your stock air cleaner back on (just for the test) and listen again. Most, if not all of the noise will be gone.
I had a little noise with my Screemin Eagle stage one filter. When I changed to the Heavy Breather (much more open) the niose got louder.
If you dont get the noise out of the air filter the problem could be in your primary, or too much clearence between the rocker arms and the cralde that holds them (very common).

The nature of the beast, ride and enjoy,

Doug