Hey I have been riding a 2005 883 for about a month now and am learning about the bike as I go. Kind of hard to explain this but I will try.

When I ride I hear two sounds, one is obviously the exhaust which I love. The other comes from down around my left foot. It kinda sounds like a higher pitch constant noise. I am guessing it is the "engine at work" but I am not sure. Is this normal to have almost a whining sound. If so, what is it? Sorry, I know its vague, just curious if any experts know what I may be talking about. Thanks

 

Just drivetrain noise. The primary chain tends to whine some and will especially if its too tight. You could check the tension on it. Sportsters are indeed noisy (the sewing maching sound is a common term for it) but running synthetic lube in the engine and gear lube in the primary really smooths things out and makes it run a little more quiet.