Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
Is it normal for Harley's to have a lifter noise??
I've been riding Japanese bikes for over 20 years and just got my first Harley. I've noticed that it always seems to have a lifter noise from just under the tank. The bike is a 2001 Heritige Softail Classic.,16,000kms, with the twin cam 88B, counter balanced engine. Please, only experienced Harley owners should reply.
11 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavorite Answer
You're hearing rocker arm noise and yes some is normal.
It took me a while to get used to, just listen to some other bikes . That should put you at ease.
Unless it is excessive or gets worse it's probably just rocker arm noise.
The lifters are below the base of the cylinders on the right hand side.
- 1 decade ago
The simple answer is yes. The lifters are hydraulic They do make some noise but that does not mean that anything bad is happening providing that the bike has stock lifters. To me it always sounded like a popping noise. Enjoy the ride and have a great time.
Source(s): I have been riding Harleys for 40 years. - Anonymous1 decade ago
take the bike into a dealership and have a technician listen to the motor, (should be free). If it's normal valve train noise then they will tell you and give you peace of mind.
The early twinky had problems with the cam bearings and the cam chain tensioners. The noise from these two problem will first manifest as noise from either the left or the right side of the bike.
Source(s): HD Tech - 1 decade ago
It's a normal thing. To me, it sounds more like the rings on a dirt bike. Don't be alarmed. Another thing, if you go to a synthetic oil you'll hear it a little bit more. I've got an 05 Deuce with the counter balanced engine too and they all sound the same. The hotter the air temp the more you'll hear it to a certain extent. Gotta remember, these bikes burn good ol American gas and not rice. lol
Source(s): Just an old Harley Rider. - How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
- jrrysimmonsLv 51 decade ago
The twinkies make a LOT of noise. Plus the previous owner might have installed the cam gear drive setup. these are an improvement over the chains but are noisy.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
i just got a 883 sportster and it to had a noise so i got the 1200 conversion done with new barrels -pistons etc and i still have that bloody noise. I have taken it to a few workshops and they say its quite normal
- 1 decade ago
they do have lifter noise, they also have a lifespan of about 30,000 miles. have owned a few h-d's and changed lifters around 30,000. evo's and twin cams
- Anonymous1 decade ago
go out and purchase AMSOIL SYNTHETIC MOTORCYCLE ENGINE OIL 20W50 and I " PROMISE" ur lifter noise will go away!
All the HD Guys are using Amsoil, get with it man!
