Hope this doesn't sound to silly but this being my first HD I just had a couple questions....came off a Honda VTX 1300 and while it is pretty noisy it has a quieter sewing machine type of noise.


Ok on the HD....what is the noise while accelerating that sounds like a baseball card in bicycle spoke?....best way to describe it is a clacking noise......also does it at a stop while revving the engine a bit

there are a whole bunch of other clanks and noises but I attribute that as being part of the HD experience But being first HD I'm not sure


Oh and question exhaust tone...getting a lot of gurgling out of the OEM exhaust on deaccel......normal?

 

Your on an 11, they are quiet compared to prior years. I'm constantly chasing noises on my 07. This is a very old engine design that Harley has done its very best to modernize. Mechanically they are solid but they do make a bunch of racket while running. You can live with it knowing it's the nature of the beast or spend a bunch of money to quiet it down. Various manufactures make parts that quiet this or that noise down but they all cost a premium.

 

hmmm, Quality Earplugs.

 

Oh yes, I realize it is part of owning a Harley Just wondering what it is that causes the clacking noise while accelerating..not complaining about noise, just trying to gain an understanding on what they are

 

Take the windshield off, leave the ear plugs at home and you won't hear them...lol.
Enjoy the noise's, it's part of Harley's heritage. If it's something that stands out, take it back to your Dealer and have them check it out. That's what warranties are for.

 

I think that clacking noise you are hearing on acceleration is the compensator. Mine started making a clacking on acceleration like you describe when I upgraded the compensator.

 

Lol yeah def realize part of owning the HD Question is I don't know if it is something that needs attention or not...thats why I was asking here first 867 miles on the clock so it's almost due for its 1K checkup...just would like to know before I bring it in if clack is just part of the experience lol

 

Aha....so the SE compensator is a bit noisier?

 

Well it's not supposed to be but it is on my bike. Had the dealer tear down the entire primary including the SE compensator and measure everything. I am well in spec on all parts but I have the clacking you describe.

 

Check the exhaust flange bolts?