hi my name is charlie and this is my first bike i noticed this ticking or tapping noise from day one the bike has like 400 miles now and isnt even broken in i have been following break in process i brought it back to harley tech says absolutly nothing to worry about has anybody else had this problem if it even is one? is this how the 96 engine sounds nervous

 

Solution: Get some LOUD PIPES ! they all sould like sewing machines stock

 

Hey Charlie,
Welcome aboard...no worries! I have a 2011 WideGlide which is essentially the same bike and it is noisey. The ticking or as the other poster said "sewing machine" is normal. I've owned quite a few in the last 10 or so years and the 96 is by far the noisiest in my opinion.
Over time the engines seem to get a bit quieter or you get used to it. Just ride it and enjoy it. sSome say that different fluids will quiet it down! I might look in to that at my 1000 service.

 

I agree that the ticking is probably nothing but without a doubt my 96 is much quieter than my EVO or even my TC88.

 

08 fatbob 96ci mine is noisy too! but still alot of fun

 

I think its because everything is so quiet on the 96" that you hear a little more valve train noise. Mine is much quieter than my EVO or Shovel. But does sound like a sewing machine.

 

Dump the stock pipes

 

My 2011 sb sounds like a sewing machine too. Also clunks when shifted. It also seems to run cooler with the stage one. But its a blast!!!
Jim

 

Me too...Are you running synthetic oil? How about 87 octane gas? Running synthetic oil in the engine and non-premium fuel can sometimes add to the ticking. Overall though, the 96 ticks.

 

It's a Harley !