Question on engines noises
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Left front is where the compensator is located. It wouldn't hurt to have your dealer take a look at it, particularly if you know you have a good dealer.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I know what it's like.
I remember when I got my first Harley Sportster 2000 1200-C, after 2 Yamaha's. I spent the first summer trying to get use to all the odd clunks, bangs, and ticking. I swear some days it just about drove me nuts. But in time I did get use to it. That bike never let me down.
By the time I got my 06 rubber mount 1200-C I didn't pay any attention to all the noises any more.
I just got a 11 RK and it's got all them Harley sounds, if it didn't I would be worried.
Like has been said, if it's a sound that really stands out take it in for a look. From what I can see in your pic, all you most likely have, is one cool looking bike.
I remember when I got my first Harley Sportster 2000 1200-C, after 2 Yamaha's. I spent the first summer trying to get use to all the odd clunks, bangs, and ticking. I swear some days it just about drove me nuts. But in time I did get use to it. That bike never let me down.
By the time I got my 06 rubber mount 1200-C I didn't pay any attention to all the noises any more.
I just got a 11 RK and it's got all them Harley sounds, if it didn't I would be worried.
Like has been said, if it's a sound that really stands out take it in for a look. From what I can see in your pic, all you most likely have, is one cool looking bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
the noise could be the valves clacking shut, of the injectors clicking on and off...those are the 2 noises that are most noticeable on my FLHRC...I have had a hard time getting used to the injector noise as i had carbed bikes forever and they make an entirely different noise..more of a swooshing sucking sound...
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 9
From: Alabama
Water cooled bikes are quieter because they have water jackets to help dampen/suppress noise. With Harleys there's nothing to dampen the sound of the valve train, pushrods, piston/rod movement, etc. If you think HD's have valvetrain noise ride a BMW boxer- it sounds like there's a little gremlin inside each head tapping the valve covers with drumsticks, LOL.
The only additional acceleration noise I ever heard with mine was preignition. Sounds like pebbles rattling around the top end. Cured that with Xied's.
Oil choice will change engine noises as well- synthetics generally produce more ticking than dino oils. I recently switched from syns to dino & my engine is much quieter.
Harley's, like all air-cooled engines, are noisy. If in doubt have a service tech at your dealership ride it & see if he notices anything odd. Chances are it's all good, but a second opinion never hurts.
The only additional acceleration noise I ever heard with mine was preignition. Sounds like pebbles rattling around the top end. Cured that with Xied's.
Oil choice will change engine noises as well- synthetics generally produce more ticking than dino oils. I recently switched from syns to dino & my engine is much quieter.
Harley's, like all air-cooled engines, are noisy. If in doubt have a service tech at your dealership ride it & see if he notices anything odd. Chances are it's all good, but a second opinion never hurts.