Harleys are noisy, but ...
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 759
Likes: 34
From: Virginia
Harleys are noisy, but ...
I swear mine is noisier than others. I notice it most when shifting through the gears. When revs get high between shifts, there is a definite chatter from the primary. Sounds like the primary chain could fly off the comp. sprocket, but quiets down when cruising in 5th or 6th. Not a slapping sound, so i dont think the chain is so loose that it is hitting the primary cover. I've tried the hard brake routine to try to get the auto-tensioner to tighten up, and I THINK it helped for a short time, but certainly not as quiet as when I first purchased the bike. I've had the compensator bolt retorqued, but no noticeable difference. I change the primary fluid (Harley Formula+) more often than necessary, just because of the noise. No loud bang on startup so I don't think it's the OEM compensator sprocket. Anybody got any ideas what might be causing the loud chatter when shifting?
2009 Ultra Classic, 96ci, Stage 1, Jackpot slip-ons, 28,000 miles.
2009 Ultra Classic, 96ci, Stage 1, Jackpot slip-ons, 28,000 miles.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 16
From: Fort Myers, Fl.
Mine makes different noises every time I ride it. I have noticed it will get noisy at lower rpm's (like below 1800), but you shouldn't run it that low in gear. I try to keep mine above 2k in any gear
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I got various noises like your mentioning on my Laughlin trip last weekend but Im pretty sure its not coming from the primary. It may be the cam chain but then again, it sounds more valve-train. Ive got an ESP so Im not too worried about it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,524
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
What RPM are you shifting at. If you drive them hard say shifting at 3k and above the primary chain can really flap a little. Does it do it at the 2K shift or what ever RPM makes that sweet no clunk in the transmission. I seldom find it but its there, but I tend to shift at 2K or so on city streets. Just a thought.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
What RPM are you shifting at. If you drive them hard say shifting at 3k and above the primary chain can really flap a little. Does it do it at the 2K shift or what ever RPM makes that sweet no clunk in the transmission. I seldom find it but its there, but I tend to shift at 2K or so on city streets. Just a thought.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
My ole lady occasionally cruises at well over 4,000rpm. When you consider how many dyno curves get posted on HDF it is amazing that the lesson they teach isn't taken on board. Most big twins run strongest between 3,000-5,000rpm, as a rough guide. That means we should be using them routinely in that range, not avoiding it!
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 36
From: tx
same here tried diff.oil still have the valve train noise,I will ride it till it lets go then give it to Harley to fix and start over again,thats what i bought the warranty for because they all do that its normal...................
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
and yeah, my 103'' is the noisiest SOB I have ever ridden and its inconsistant. Somedays I can go down the road and it sounds like a well oiled sewing machine, the next day it sounds like a road tractor idleing with stack flappers. 1 more season till I go into it.
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
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 15
I think they changed lifters on 103s ,noisy on start up.Harley says its normal wont hurt anything.I will be changing when i do cam upgrade ,hate the noise. I use shockproof in trans ,and drag specialties primary oil in primary they will quit things down. I also use mobil 1 or amsoil 20w 50 full syn. oil in motor. I do think the synthetic oils are thinner ( better protection though ) and that makes engine noisier. Sometimes i think we are better off with reg oil. IDK Hate the noises that's why i run loud pipes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,524
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
I was referring more to actually rpm you see when you shift. If I accelerate to 2500 or so in gear and clutch/throttle back to shift the actually shift rpm if you notice is well below 2K. However, I can really get on it snapping a shift and keep the rpm up. Does not probably really hurt it but makes a lot more racket. Just a thought.