Harley Davidson Softail: Why is My Bike Rattling
Is your Harley Davidson Softail being loud, and not the good type of loud? This guide will help you discover the issue causing your bike to rattle.
This article applies to the Harley Davidson Softail.
The Harley Davidson Softail produces a lot of vibration as soon as you start it. Although we love the deep sound of our bikes, overtime, the vibration could cause some components to get loose, which results in an annoying rattling noise. There are a lot of small parts on the Softail that could cause such noise. This guide will shine some light on the components that most likely cause a rattling noise. Read on if you're having difficulties locating the source of the rattle on the Harley Davidson Softail.
Material Needed
- Socket set
Step 1 – Inspect the covers
They might be loose.
Check all the outside covers and trim. As we mentioned above, the Harley vibrates aggressively, so overtime the parts attached to it might get loose and cause a bit of a rattle. Check the engine cover by wiggling it with your hands. Check the plastic trim holding the tail lights in place. Check the mirrors and the switches. Then, check the floor boards to make sure they aren't loose. Finally, make sure the brake and clutch lines aren't causing the rattle. They should be fastened alongside the forks.
Figure 2. Check covers and trim. 
Figure 3. Check plastic trim. 
Figure 4. Check trim and covers.
If the trim and covers are all attached properly, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 – Check kickstand
It could be loose.
The kickstand tends to get loose after a while. It's one of the most used parts on your bike, as you lay your bike's weight on it daily. Overtime, the bolt holding it in place could get loose and as you rev your engine or even drive normally, it could shake a little, which causes mild metal-on-metal rattling. The spring attached to the kickstand could also come off one side, which would cause a consistent rattle as you drive; however, if the spring came off, you would be able to tell as you're kicking it back. If it is loose, use your socket to tighten the bolt holding it in place.
If the kickstand is tightly in place, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3 – Check the exhaust
It could be loose or has a loose cover.
The exhausts are attached in place by a few screws and brackets, so if one screw is loose, a rattling noise is guaranteed to come up. Check the exhausts from where they attach to the engine and make your way to the rear. Wiggle it and inspect any brackets along the way. Make sure the second layer (cover) on top of the exhaust is tightly in place. If any parts are loose, tighten them, and if you're missing screws, simply buy the right size from any auto store.
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