Is it normal for Harley's to have a lifter noise??

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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

Answer 5

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.

Answer 6

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

Answer 7

Valve train noise is normal.

Answer 8

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

Answer 9

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!

Answer 10

Yes and drip oil too!

Answer 11

no, have a Harley tech.diagnose it