Valve noise
 

Brand new 2013 FLTRX.... got what I think is a lot of valve noise (lifter?) compared to my 08. Only 650 miles on it now...Does HD use "break in" oil. I don't think synthetic will quieten it down.
I know louder pipes will help but geez........
No WOT runs just normal riding and highway speeds....... :icon_denk:

My limited has had valve train noise since it was new. If you take it back they are gonna tell you "its normal" lmao. I wouldnt worry about it to much. Its brand new, ride it like you stole it.

Thats my motto also.....my 2012 RK has valve train noise as well....runs great just noisy.

JG

If you want it quiet cut the push rods with a bolt cutter, then install Screaming Eagle quick adjust pushrods....

The Twin Cams since the 96 have a really noisy top end, some are noisier than others. My 07 is noisy and has been since day one. We are approaching 50,000 miles.

In all sincerity, why? Are the oem fixed length ones frequently so far off the hydraulic tappets can't make up the adjustment?

He is just saying you can adjust them so they are a little deeper in the cup to remove a bit of end play at the start of the up stroke from the cam. In theory might be a good idea. In practice I'm not a huge fan of adjustable pushrods. They just introduce another failure point.

HD engines are noisy. Some are more than others. It's a result of the old school way of making the valves go up and down. Long rods with cams in the crankcase and valves in the head. It's been that way for many years. Of course, things could quiet down if they went to 8 valve DOHC design. But I don't think many would like that.

To answer your question regarding break-in oil, no, the Motor Company pre-fills all new bikes with their branded Dino oil (20W-50).