my 93 fatboy evo has about 25k on it. i keep the engine maintained regularley. i have noticed that when the bike is running i can hear a loud ticking and taping noise when im siting on it. im not sure what it could be. i think that it might be lifters or maybe the pushrods are out of adjustment but im not sure. Anyone ever have this problem? i know it is not due to loss of oil, i thought it was at first but eliminated that being the problem. i had recentley put in a single fire ignition system, but it was making the noise before i even put that in.

 

First, I assume you have the proper amount of oil in it. Second, if its all stock, the pushrods aren't adjustable. Third, I had a lifter wheel come apart on my '93 ultra a few years back. That's a big repair if it happens. I would be looking at changing lifters if I were you. But then again it could just be something loose on the bike. Go over it front to back with some wrenches Check the easy stuff first.,,

 

Check the inner cam bearing and lifters, sooner than later.

 

Could even be a broken valve spring. Does the noise follow the rpm's or stay the same. How does the engine perform through the rpm band?
Hatch

 

A stethoscope can be useful for narrowing it down, or even a screwdriver held to your ear and different parts of the engine. I have a ticking noise that I traced to the headlight nacelle, It's annoying but at least it's not the motor!

 

Sounds like a bad lifter roller Mine was the rear intake caught it just in time The roller of the lifter was rotating up and down (not concentric) none of the needle bearings fell out Thankyou ! Replaced them all with HD newer B lifters

 

it seems to stay the same if i recall. im going to do a top end rebuild to it just to make sure. it is about due for one anyway.