Newer 103's
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 861
Likes: 136
From: Wisconsin
Newer 103's
I've read many threads where a large percentage of the 103's developed a slight ticking noise in the upper end at around the 2200 to 2800 RPM range, and is considered normal. My question is has HD done anything in the last couple prodution years to solve this ?
Thanks in advance Jonnierock
Thanks in advance Jonnierock
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
I thinks it "normal" from all the threads I have read. I have not noticed it since I removed my RKC windshield, the ticking is almost non existent. The windshield magnified the sound and sends the engine noise right to my ears. If I can't notice it when its ideling or running with out the windshield at lower speeds then I think its a non issue. I have had a lot of different bikes and they all make weird upper or lower ends sounds.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
I've read many threads where a large percentage of the 103's developed a slight ticking noise in the upper end at around the 2200 to 2800 RPM range, and is considered normal. My question is has HD done anything in the last couple prodution years to solve this ?
Thanks in advance Jonnierock
Thanks in advance Jonnierock
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 37
From: Monroe, Louisiana
My 14 limited is definitely quiter than the 10 and 12 limited. Either that or the radio has noise cancelling. I had learned to live with the noise. Most say it is the rockers moving on the shaft. The 103's on dynas and softtails don't make any noise at speed. Could be the lack of wind shield.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
From: Florida Space Coast
As said; syn oil and fairings/windshields capture the noise and direct it to our ears.
That said, mine never made much noise compared to the 113, and now with the 57H's and proper pushrod adjustment, it is uncommonly quiet.
The specs on the newer TC's are super loose but with all of the new metals and CNC machining, they seem to be holding up well.
I have over 200K miles on the Evo bike before I yanked the 80CI, I hope to get this on my '12 TC.
That said, mine never made much noise compared to the 113, and now with the 57H's and proper pushrod adjustment, it is uncommonly quiet.
The specs on the newer TC's are super loose but with all of the new metals and CNC machining, they seem to be holding up well.
I have over 200K miles on the Evo bike before I yanked the 80CI, I hope to get this on my '12 TC.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
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I dont know that its a "Large percentage" but yes, there are many. Some say its the rocker side clearance, some say its the hydraulic tensioners, some say its just all the inner workings of an air cooled twin cam. I say if the noise is there from the start (Or a very low mileage) its probably gonna always be that way. If its something that comes on with greater mileage, like mine, its probably something that can be fixed. Technically, im not even sure its a matter of being broken, as I believe some are just louder than others. As others have stated, windshields, fairings, lowers, radios, or the lack of these certainly affect how obnoxious the rider percieves the noise to be....
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Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Ran the Blue Ridge Parkway yesterday and today. Yesterdays noise was the worse I ever heard. Today before hitting the BRP I put in some octane booster and what a difference. I was in third and fourth gears quite a bit so as not too lug the engine and did some cooling off stops also. On the highway at cruising speeds it's a great engine. I guess 93 octane wasn't quite enough in the hills.