I notice a rattling sound when the bike is running while it is leaned over and held by the kick stand. The noise goes away when I bring it upright. Any thoughts?

 

LOL, have fun trying to find that one!

 

The sound seems to be comming from inside the engine case.

 

Have you checked the primary chain tension?

 

It seems loose. How tight should it be? And would that create a rattle when leaning it to the left?

 

see if your kick stand spring is vvvvvviiiiiibbbbbrrrraaaatttttiiiiiinnnnnnggggg... ....vibrating!!

 

The kick stand was one of the first things I checked. The noise seems to be comming from inside the lower engine case n the left side.

 

Check every 2000 miles. Check at midpoint between sprockets. Check at chain tightest point on sprockets, found by turning engine over while inspecting chain. Cold engine: 5/8 - 7/8 inch. Hot engine: 3/8 - 5/8 inch.

You can check the adjustment through the oil filler cap near the top of the primary. If it needs adjustment, you'll have to remove the primary to do so.

I s'pose if the adjuster is loose it might rattle when leaning to the left. You sure don't want it to fall apart in there! (Don't ask me how I know this.)

 

Ok, I narrowed it down a little more. It is not the chain (although it probably needs adjustment). I noticed that when I pull in the clutch, and lean the bike over to the left while holding the clutch in, there is no noise. When I release the clutch while the bike is leaned over to the left, the loud rattleing sound returns. I hope this new piece to the puzzle will help narrow down the problem. The bike otherwise seems to ride ok. (As this is my first Harley I am not 100% sure what an ok Harley really feels like).

 

It may be the release lever, ramp, and ball assembly. Or it may be ... something else!