I've got some questions.

28k miles.

Pulled plugs that where a couple years old and they read excellent comparing to a wear chart.

Running 93 with a splash of ethanol guard.

The exhaust has some rattles and /or chirps , I liken it to a VW bug sound. Doesn't always make it , generally under load when accelerating. The rubber mounts aren't super snug. They could be worn? Shrunk ?

I thought it was pinging but if I turn my head and catch it just right I hear it out of my rear ear.
Although ,my GF doesnt hear anything which I assume is good because she's not asking what that horrible noise is.

It still may have some pinging as I'm not entirely convinced it's only exhaust noise. Stage one with air cleaner and VH slash cut slip ons.

I am convinced the exhaust note has a high pitched chirp at certain points.

If it's is pinging am I stuck taking it to a dyno ? What are my options? Where would a tuner be stashed ?

I don't think it's anything failing in the engine , even though a failing bearing would still allow the bike to make power, the noises are to inconsistent to suggest immenint mechanical failure ? It runs really good and the engine sounds really good when cruising and at idle ,hot or cold , sounds like it should with no odd raps rattles taps banging whiring sqeaking etc...

I can live with the noise , just don't like thinking it's gonna grenade on me.

 

Only advice I can offer is if you are like me and not very mechanically inclined find a good Indy. Those are pretty low miles for an 04. Best of luck and enjoy the ride!!

 

Sound to me some slip on's sounds somewhat different they others V&H makes that noise a little tinie at times. don't think you have any problems. I think you have been reading this form to much and looking for trouble that's not there.

 

Has anyone ever changed the cam chain tensioners on the engine ? They can make a little noise.

It is OK if your engine has only a lite ping to it, just a couple once in a while under load.

I don't know if this is your first Harley or not, but all Harley engines make a little noise.

Now just get out there and ride your new to you Bike.

 

You have a rear ear?? Awesome!

 

Hahaha
My rear facing ear

 

You state you have V&H slip ons and an air cleaner, but don't mention a tuner so you might well be pinging

 

No installed tuner

Don't know if it was ever flashed.

Going back to stock exhaust cause of personal reasons. Probabaly next week , they are in the mail.

The Bike runs great. I tend to think I'm just worrying over nothing.

 

Mikeyglide you might try a late model pair of slipons. I tried a pair from a 2013 103 incher and they sound pretty good but not loud at all and they keep ignorant fuzz from issuing tickets too. Plus they are very light in weight in comparison to my supertrapps.

Though they look similar to the 2004 era ones they are not. I have tried stock 2004, 2007 and 2013 and there is a difference. You can probably score a pair free too.