Being that this is my first HD, coming from riding a Victory, can someone tell me what engine noises are normal. I have an 09 RK with 1800 miles. I hear alot of noises coming from the engine. I was told that riding with a windshield amplifies the noises.

 

Ok....Where do I start
Top end noise normal
Shifter clunking normal
VIbration normal
First gear whine normal
5th gear whine on some models normal
My problem......Tranny rattle at idle...appears to be normal.

Just think of it as a symphony.

 

That pretty much covers all my noises

 

also - mine has the sewing machine sound (top end ?) till my rpm's hit 2200, and at 2700 mine are completely quiet and the bike actually has a quiet drive train -

but at that point the Fat Cats start to speak up

 

The dealer will tell you that its all normal.

 

Any noise that doesn't make your Harley actually fall apart, explode, or otherwise stop running is normal.

 

Sure,everything you hear is normal.These engines are old technology.

 

My '10 FLHRC is my first Harley. I had the same concerns you have so I had the bike thoroughly checked during the 1,000 mile service. After inspection and a road test I was told all is well. I also rode it without the windshield for the first time...most annoying noises went away (they're still there you just can't hear them without the shield).

Funny when I was describing the noises I heard to the HD tech, he smiled and said, "first Harley?"

 

Get some loud pipes and most of those noises will go away.

 

great thread ... I went the route NoCoLoco offered and got some JackPot pipes for my bike awhile back