I have a 2016 48 with stage 1 kit from DK Customs 15000 miles on the the bike. Recently I can hear a distinctive “Clackity” noise from the rear cylinder at the top of the cylinder head. I narrowed it down to the rear cylinder valve cover by listening with a long handled screwdriver. You can actually hear the noise on a deceleration of the throttle just standing next to the bike. Any thoughts ? It’s basically a new bike. Thanks.

 

Low miles but I guess it’s possible you have a failed hydraulic lifter
easy enough to check first before going deeper
pull push rod covers and check push rod “play”

 

Is this upon startup or later on when the bike has done a good few miles ? Hydraulic Lifters do take a little while to fill up according to Harley .

 

It’s upon startup now. Before I never noticed it, I just remembered on a ride as I was comming down the road to my house I noticed the noise last fall. It’s a pretty audible noise just with the bike idling. The bike seems to run fine but ide like to fix it before it gets too bad.

 

​​​​​​I assume you've heard of Rocker Lockers ? That might be something to consider .

 

Have you checked your oil level? Just asking. How many miles are on the oil? Sometimes mine starts making a little more noise when it is time for an oil change, the oil starts to break down.

 

Never heard of “Rocker Lockers” what are they ? and the oil level is good.

 

Ok looked up the Rocker Lockers but it’s not a ticking noise this is a very audible clackity noise on the rear cylinder.

 

If it does not change after the engine heats up it may be a broken valve spring. Pulling the valve cover will let you know if it is broken, you can also look to see if anything looks out of place.

 

it’s definitely there after motor is warm/hot because I first heard it at the end of a ride coming down my street, and it was a very distinctive noise that I could hear thru my full face helmet. The motors only got 15000 miles on it what would make a spring break like that ? Soon as I get time I’ll pop the cover off.