I apologise in advance. I realize I am not a frequent poster and ergo have little credibility. That said, these are RELIC, external pushrod, 100 CI, aircooled motors, encased in sound transmitting metal, with NO absolute Zero sound dampening acoustics. You are stradling it and are going to hear EVERTHING. Enjoy the song your lover sings, and just like your wife or girl/boy friend you'll know by the tone of it's voice it's not happy.
On a western ride my 02 made different "noise" in the morning, when it rained, when it was 90`, the usual sounds it made for 25,000 miles. Then at a stop light in Grand Forks, ND there WAS something different, way deep inside. A ka-toonk sound, totally alien! I always say, even when I have bad luck I have good luck! At the next light was a billboard for Andy's HD. The tech, Del, put me ahead of locals, opened the cam chest and the inner tensioner basically came out in pieces. WHEW!!!
I now have a 13 FLHTK with 1200 miles. It's a young love and she sounds wonderful. The lifters, rockers, tranny "noise" is all as it should be! And I am absolutely confident she'll tell me when she's not happy!
In two weeks we are going on a 7000 mile ride to the west coast [redwoods] and I have no reservations what so ever. Noise and all!
Thanks, just my engine noise rant, Doug

 

Have fun on your ride and you have a point, although I can tell you that have invest mightily in quieting my engine noise. It is at a very acceptable level at this time.

 

It's not noise. It's a song! You get to know the tunes she plays and although they vary, most times it's the same old song. Anyone who lives with the song long enough knows when the key is truly off.

Like you said... Zero damping. Sitting on top of 100 cubes. 3 feet from the business end of the internal combustion explosions. Going to be noisy. Get to know your beast!

 

Wow, that was a very expensive inner cam chain tensioner replacement!!

Enjoy your ride to the west coast. I was there a year ago and drove 2200 miles just within California. The Sequoia's and the Red Woods are a must see for everyone. These are the largest living organisms on the planet. It's amazing how large those trees become over the centuries. Be sure and see the General Sherman. (and don't feed the bears!)

Be sure and spend some time on the Pacific Coast highway. Lots of cool little towns and places to chow down.

 

Well said BUSTERK. To me the engine and tranny noise is all part of what I enjoy about my Harley.

 

Congrats on your new ride. Show us some pics. I love the noise from mine, she just humms down the road. When the valvetrain noise stops, I know something is wrong, lmao..