Harleys are noisy, but ...
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Mine also makes a cacaphony of various sounds. Whirrs, whines, taps, rattles, etc.
All made a whole lot worse if I've got my windshield on. Without it, the bike seems like a normal machine. With it on, my goodness but it makes a racket! Might be worse with a RK and that barn door windshield shape. Seems like it focuses all the sounds right back into your face.
All made a whole lot worse if I've got my windshield on. Without it, the bike seems like a normal machine. With it on, my goodness but it makes a racket! Might be worse with a RK and that barn door windshield shape. Seems like it focuses all the sounds right back into your face.
Club Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 87
From: Stokton, CA
I shift and cruise at 3000 all the time....sometimes shift at 4000.
And your sitting on an engine, your bound to hear some noise....
Try wearing a FF helmet for awhile and then a beanie, you'll think your motor is coming apart....
And your sitting on an engine, your bound to hear some noise....
Try wearing a FF helmet for awhile and then a beanie, you'll think your motor is coming apart....
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 3
From: California
My Ultra makes so much noise from the transmission, clutch, rattles, clunks, etc. that I posted a video on YouTube to get some help... but the video was banned because the sound was so obnoxious and annoying. 
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 545
Likes: 8
From: antelope valley ca.
Yep, every spring when I switch from ff to novelty helmet the first couple of freeway rides freak me out, sounds like marbles in a blender with a hammer thrown in.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
Mine don't make that much stink'in noise even before I put the Hayden on it. But to the OP and anyone else I highly suggest the Hayden primary chain tensioner just to have something that works correctly.
http://www.haydensm6.com/m6_bt07.htm
http://www.haydensm6.com/m6_bt07.htm
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 9
mine is quiet as a church mouse...until i hit the starter button. i lubed the volume control **** for the radio-amazing what CCR can cover up with the sound cranked up!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
+1 with drukanfu - Hayden primary chain tensioner quieted down my primary and I can now find neutral while stopped without any of the normal gyrations. It now whirs when idling but is silent under power.
My valve train noise only got worse with a performance cam, etc.
Just one of those things you live with when you have an air cooled v-twin.
My valve train noise only got worse with a performance cam, etc.
Just one of those things you live with when you have an air cooled v-twin.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 759
Likes: 34
From: Virginia
Chatter gets progressively louder starting around 2500 rpm until I pull the clutch lever around 3000. Typically cruise below 3000 so no noticeable chatter in 5th or 6th gear. I wouldn't think twice about the noise, except that it seems to be getting more noticeable, and wasn't an issue when I first bought the bike. I typically wear earplugs on longer trips, can't hear any chatter, life is good. Bike runs smooth and strong and is the most comfortable and dependable ride I've ever owned. If it's "normal" I can learn to live with it, but if it's a symptom of a major repair I'd like to get ahead of it before it turns ugly.