Engine Noise is drivining me crazy, thoughts please
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 532
Likes: 21
From: Louisville, KY
Engine Noise is drivining me crazy, thoughts please
Just got back from a 500 mile weekend trip. Since I've had my 09 SG it seems like I hear way too much "metal" or "banging" from the engine; think its the engine, not a mechanic. Ive had the bike 8 months and I take it in for a 5000 service tomorrow. They have always said its normal, after taking it our but it just doesn't seem right. Any ideas would be appreciated. I've read that going to synthetics may help.
Oh, I have the 110 upgrade in the bike (came with it) if that would matter.
Oh, I have the 110 upgrade in the bike (came with it) if that would matter.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
alot of noise bounces back from the inner fairing, keep the knees into the tank will help.
you should hear my panhead, sounds like 18 sewing machines fighting under the pans
mike
you should hear my panhead, sounds like 18 sewing machines fighting under the pans
mike
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I've learned my lesson well, with many posts similar to yours, that you cannot diagnose noises over the internet, especially those noises created by a Harley. Harley engines and drive trains do have many distinctive and normal noises. They are not the quietest drive trains around. I've got 80,000 miles on one of my bikes and I still hear, or think I hear, new noises on occassion. Noise to some is music to others.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I don't think you'll really find a better answer here. I'd estimate that 90% of all engine noise complaints discussed on this forum are due to expecting something out of your bike that it will never be. It's a Harley - they make noise.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I don't think you'll really find a better answer here. I'd estimate that 90% of all engine noise complaints discussed on this forum are due to expecting something out of your bike that it will never be. It's a Harley - they make noise.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
The Harley v-twin is basically a souped up lawn mower engine. Carbon build up happens pretty quick with flat top pistons. Doesnt take much to give the valves something to tap into. Just tore down my motor for a 96 to 103 upgrade. the carbon was pretty thick. Rod end and side paly was good. a little rode end axial play but theres no speck for that. Lifters were fine. rockers were fine. Did find my head bolts a little under torqued. Throw some decarbonizer in her once in a while and ride it.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 323
Likes: 2
From: Central Pennsylvania
I bought my first HD three years ago and i thought it was going to scatter. but many people said its fine and now 20000 miles later and upgraded to a 103 its still purring like a kitten and still sounds like sewing machines. I just crank up the radio and ride.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 419
Likes: 60
From: Central IL
When you get to the dealership ride a couple of used bikes similar to yours. That will help you identify "normal" spounds versus what yours sounds like.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 532
Likes: 21
From: Louisville, KY
Thats a great idea. Think I will. What is messing me up is that my 06 Heritage never sounded like this. I guess I'm still just getting used to the new sounds. I feel like the engine is getting ready to come apart. Funny though, If the radio is up, I feel better cause I don't hear it, lol
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
I went from a TC88B to a 103. It was like going from a Rolls to a Riding mower as far as engine noise and smoothness.
When I put the windshield on my RKC, it sounds like a giant sewing machine. I learned to ignore it and I ride without the windshield a lot .
The 103 is a good motor, just noisy.
When I put the windshield on my RKC, it sounds like a giant sewing machine. I learned to ignore it and I ride without the windshield a lot .
The 103 is a good motor, just noisy.