I have a 2002 Fatboy that recently bought, but I don't really know any history of the bike. It had 17K miles on it and the previouus owner is not available to ask any maintenance questions. I am hearing a kind of ticking sound coming from the front of the engine (maybe) that sounds like a soft ticking....kind of hard to explain. It only does it at about half RPM but does it in every gear. Is this a common sound, or does it sounds like the valves are out of adjustment? I have not had time to take it into a dealer yet to have it looked at. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

Scott

 

Not sure if it matters but it is fuel injected and I have a stage 1 kit, and python pipes.

 

it might be a possible exhaust leak coming form the front flange.

 

Curious. I have noticed the same ticking noise from my Fat Boy FI -- especially when throttling down. I had assumed that it was a lifter or, perhaps, that the timing was off. It's in for its 1000 mile servicing and a SERT. I have already mentioned the noise to the service dept. Let's see if they take care of it. I'll let you know what I find out. Please let me know what you find out.

 

It aint runnin' if it aint tickin'.

 

...although describing a sound is a subjective thing....I think the ticking is normal.
My 1998 road king has had a ticking since I have owned it...never had any problems yet.

 

Thanks for the replies! I dont know if the noise is getting louder or I am just focusing on it more. This is a new bike for me so I think I am going to take it to a dealership and have them check over everything. In the mean time, I am going to do some riding and I didnt want to be doing any damage.

Scott

 

My '02 Fat Boy has a little minor tick, but it's attributed to the new gear drive cams and head work that I recently had done. Sounds pretty cool to hear those gears spinning all the time!

 

that is the harley davidson theme music you hear!!!

 

I thought it was always the cams I was hearing. If that's wrong someone please let me know.