Guys I have a 1994 Road King with 39K. I recently changed the oil and have noticed a chatter/rattle on the right side of the bike. At idle the engine sounds fine. When I rev the bike it sounds fine until the RPM's are coming back down and I hear this weird rattle. It seems like it's coming from the tranny area.

I was sure it was something loose more than an engine issue. But I can't find anything loose. During riding I can hear the rattle come and go but it isn't there all the time. Strange ! It has me stumped, I'm no HD wrench, so I guess I need to take mike bike into the shop.

Just thought I would let you guys shoot me ideas and thoughts.

Thanks

RR

 

Check your exhaust real close. Sometimes the hose clamps holding the heat shields will break or get loose, and the mounting tabs on the shields can break loose from the shield. They will make some alarming noises! And check your mounting clamps especially the one at the transmission and at the mufflers if you have a stock type exhaust. Also, with the stock rear pipe, they have a tendency to break over the years near the welded on gusset and at the top Y.

 

Found it ! The noise was coming from the right side pipe. I recently installed Samson Silver Bullets and I used the old washer gaskets, I could get hold of the pipe and it would not shake or budge, but I was revving the bike and noticed it vibrating front to rear in the joint where the clasp holds the two pipes together below the hardbag. Whew ! Thank goodness.

And thanks fellas for giving me some info. I appreciate it.

 

It's weird that I found this thread today, because my 96 Softail Custom has the same kind of noise and it scares the crap out of me. I can't find it either. I'm going to take a closer look at the exhaust now that you've found where yours is coming from.

 

96custom...good luck man, take your time and just work from one item to the other. Let us know what you find.

RR