I just purchased by first harley 09 fatbob and have notice when riding there is some valve noise coming from the from the front cylinder. Is this normal? (my last bike 04 honda always had some noise)Just trying to see if I need to have the bike looked at. I'm new to harleys and don't know what to expect, but I really love the 09

 

Some valve sound is OK.

 

They all bang and clatter. Mine sounds like a sewing machine sometimes. It comes with the Territory.

 

Sounds like you're lugging your motor. Use a lower gear.

 

Don't know why but the newer bikes makes more valve noise
My 11 does it

 

Its hard to say with out actually hearing the engine. Is it always noisey of only when hot? My advise would be to let someone listen that knows Harleys. Depending on the mileage, maintenance and history, they have hydraulic lifters , BUT, they can sometimes be adjusted slightly and it can make a difference.

 

That.

Thought I had normal noise and it turned out to be too much crank runout.

 

You don't tell us anything about the motor or any work that was done before your purchase so it can be hard to give you good advice. But.....

If the PO installed cams they may have installed adjustable push rods. These have a habit of coming loose after a while and need attention. I would remove the upper retaining clip on the offending valve's push rod cover. Push the bottom of the tube up to expose the bottom portion of the push rod and see if there are two 7/16th" nuts. One is for locking the adjustment and the other is used to adjust the length of the push rod.

I have noticed in my twin cam motor that the valves make more noise with the use of synthetic motor oil.

 

Can't hear anything in the valve train over all that noise the damn balancer chain makes on mine...

 

The motor is stock 96 with vance and hines short pipes and 2000 miles