Don't know if it is my imagination or what, but I seem to hear like a ringing/clangy noise when riding my '99 Sportster. It does not do it when revving the engine in the garage. Only riding. I've checked everything from mirrors, to gas cap, to horn, to all nuts and bolts and exhaust. When I am riding and tilt my head to try to zero in on it, I can't hear it. Only when facing forward.
Now this very well just be valve train noise, but I've never heard it before and have had the bike for 6 years.
So my loaded question is, IF there was a problem, would the cause/effect be different whether if at idle or riding? Should I ignore the problem......?
-hogwylde-
The Mind is Like a Parachute. Works Best When Open.
Primary chain tension?
Never fight with a fool, others may not be able to tell the two of you apart.
It sounds like it is coming from below and forward of the tank.
-hogwylde-
The Mind is Like a Parachute. Works Best When Open.
Now thats one big damn avatar!
A drug person can learn to handle such things as seeing their dead grandmother crawling up their leg with a knife in her teeth. But no one should be asked to deal with this trip.
If you figure it out, please let me know. Mine does the EXACT same thing and its driving me nuts. Sounds like its coming from the same place too. It comes and goes, usually at 40mph+, like either full on or off,and I can hear it easily above the engine, wind, and road noise. I think it is independent of motor RPM and gear (I've heard it and quickly pulled the clutch and shifter into another gear or neutral and have also quickly opened or closed the throttle), it almost sounds like something is fluttering in the wind turbulence like a fork tool bag latch, horn mount, pipe mount, key chain, washer, brake pad, or ??? Hasn't gotten any worse nor does it seem to affect how the bike runs so I've sorta put up with it for awhile, but it is annoying as all hell clanking like a pile of junk.
Oh, and my bike does not have heat shields on the pipes, so I'm ruling that out.
start with the cam chain adjustment then try tighting the gas tank i am sure you will find a lose chane or a lose nut somewear it just takes time , also you can grab a big towel and roll it up then when you are rideing and it starts to make noise start pushing on differnt parts with the towel "so you dont burn yourself" and see if you can pin point the noise
Bucket list are for Sissie, men do it while they can enjoy it
Good suggestion on the towel. I've been doing just that with my left hand, just have to keep away from the heads and pipes! Just did the tranny/primary lube and checked the chain, but who knows, maybe the shoe or a misalignment?. Also did the whole bolt checking thing a couple of times. I haven't give up yet. Coincidentally, it started early this year when my battery went to hell and I replaced it, any chance its coming from the stator or voltage regulator (although the electrical system all checks out good)?
Highly unlikely that the charging system would make that noise, unless the magnet had come loose, but would require a tear down to confirm.
Bucket list are for Sissie, men do it while they can enjoy it
Yup! We have the exact problem. To me it sounds like a washer bouncing around somewhere. Sounds small and light and can hear it starting up when I get to 2nd or 3rd. I bet you and I can have a blast with a case of beer and going over our bikes.......LOLOriginally Posted by jdellefs
-hogwylde-
The Mind is Like a Parachute. Works Best When Open.
No question about it
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