Hello all, I have a 2011 48 model with the 1200 evo. Wondering if anyone else has lifter noise? most noticeable at hot idle. Comes and goes, one stop sign you will hear it and next one it will be gone. I've had it in at the dealer and they told me it was normal for the sportsters, I changed oil with bg moa last time and seemed to help but still there. Wondering if it's "normal" for anyone else on here or if I should consider replacing lifters?

 

It is probably normal. I had the same concerns. Took it to a dealer, they said normal, too. Also took it to an independent shop, spoke to their top service guy. He rode it (all warmed up) and he said it's fine. Many swear by Rocker Lockers get rid of some of the noise. I will be installing these over the winter. Call DK Custom Products or visit their web site (great folks). Some others have said that non-synthetic oil can help, too, but I will stick with Spectro full synthetic. How many miles on your 2011 Model 48?

 

They sound like a Singer sewing machine when warmed up. It's pretty jarring if you've never ridden a Sportster before.

 

Steve Sportster , the bike has 16,500 miles. I will look into the rocker lockers, might just have to be my winter project as well. Thanks!

 

There is a **** load of wrong cam cover gaskets out there which cause low oil pressure to your lifters. Check that out First.

 

If you are sure it's lifter noise, then rocker lockers will NOT quieten your lifters. That's not what they are for.

 

My 2011 XL883 makes a lot of noise on the top half of the motor and always has since I bought it. When it was new I also took it back to the dealer and asked them about it. I've got 15,000 miles now and it runs great. I put a 2 into 1 header on and it helps drown it out a little. I also just put a power vision on it and loaded a map from fuel moto and it seamed like it quieted it down a little. It may have moved the timing around a little, Don't know for sure.