I know this is going to sound stupid, but what does this pinging sound like that I keep reading about. To the best of my knowledge, I have never heard it on my 2012 Street Glide. It seems that I read a thread a day about pinging. The only thing I hear is value train noise. It is not very loud but I do hear it. If I turn up the radio a little I don't hear it at all. My valve train noise seems the loudest around 2500-2700 rpms then quiets down above that. Just making sure what I call valve train noise is not this pinging I keep reading about. Sorry for stupid questions, first big Harley that I have ever owned. I want to make sure it is running the way it is suppose to.

Thanks

 

Coke bottles rattling together. That's the best analogy I have heard. Worse when crowding the throttle at lower rpm. But can happen at higher rpm as well.

 

Pinging is a rattle like a penny in a coffee can sound that gets louder progressing to a couple pennies to a bunch of pennies from just an occasional tin sound in the beginning. It either starts out right away on a bike or after about 5-6k on the clock when carbon starts collecting in the cylinders. It usually appears in the higher RPM ranges on heavy acceleration, 75-80 MPH in 5th or 6th gear. Valve train noises seem constant and can appear at every range and is very different and It too starts after 4-5k.
There are lots of threads on both if your wanting to increase your knowledge base so sit back, relax and read up

 

I describe it as pebbles in a coffee can- the sound is irregular.

many modern vehicles are programmed so that if pinging is detected, the ignition timing may retard, this will result is reduced power and the need to downshift rather than power through

mike

 

BBs in a tin can.

 

If you have it you will know it because it will make you pull your hair out.

Dyno tune fixes it right up.

 

Sounds like a ball bearing is bouncing around the top of your motor. You will know if you hear it.

 

Pebbles hitting the fender. Low RPMs typically, under moderate load.

 

I was wondering what the pinging sound was too. Now I know what to listen for.

 

Ever shake a spray paint can, and hear the ball rattling around inside?

THAT is exactly what it sounds like. Same as what other described, but I use the 'spray paint can' analogy as more people are familiar that sound, and you don't have to go find a ball bearing and a coffee can...