Okay I'm not sure where I am going with this, but any info could be helpful. Recently the sporty started making a noise that seems to be coming somewhere from the engimne area, but can't pinpoint it. Its kinda hard to explain and its not loud enough to be able to record. It almost sounds like a "tap" sound that you here on a hot bike when you shut it off. The contracting cooling down pops.The bike seems to only make this sound at even intervals as soon as you start it cold through warm up, then it goes away.

I took the bike by an indy who said he could kinda hear what I was talking about, but didn't hear anything through a stethascope other than a squeeky breaking in bearing noise that is not related. So, any suggestions? Its an 08 883 with around 2k miles on it. The bike runs strong. Is it just growing pains, exhaust clamps expanding? Or nothing to worry about?

 

Noises are hard to relate in writing. But if it is regular and directly related to engine speed and goes away when it is warmed up, I'd guess that you have a small exhaust leak at one of the head pipes that expands with heat and closes off the leak when warm.

That's just a guess.

I could also be a slightly loose engine mount that tightens up when warm.

I'd check the head pipe flanges and then give all the engine mounts a once-over. Also, sometimes the bolts holding the gas tank can make a regular noise. As can a clamp on the exhaust pipe heat shields.

The thing is that if it goes away when warm, it can't be anything to fret about too much.

Good luck.

 

Just growing pains for the bike, nothing to worry about. Sporty's are notorius for making noise, to me it just sounds like the valve train but it couldn't hurt to go over it as bentwrench suggested......just to ease your troubled mind .