Valve noise
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Conover, NC
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.......
I know louder pipes will help but geez........
No WOT runs just normal riding and highway speeds.......
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
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.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Western NY
Thats my motto also.....my 2012 RK has valve train noise as well....runs great just noisy.
JG
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
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.
Last edited by FX4; May 30, 2013 at 08:31 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: North Shore of Minnesota
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
In all sincerity, why? Are the oem fixed length ones frequently so far off the hydraulic tappets can't make up the adjustment?
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
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 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: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
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.
