There's no way they could have come from the engine, unless they came preinstalled in the last oil filter you put in. Transmission wise, it could be from the clutch release mechanism (3/8) or the mainshaft/countershaft door support bearings (1/4).
The other ball bearing is the main drive gear support bearing, but I don't think a ball that big could sneak between the gear and the case.

honestly I think someone is messing with your head. But.. I have seen weirder things..

Hogdoctor

 

Put 'em back or you will void your warranty! Seriously, that's wierd so keep us posted.

 

Do you have the LCD dipstick? There are ball bearings in the "ramp" locking mechanism, and if the dipstick is not removed properly (twist, not yank), the ramp will fail and the ball bearings will drop into the crankcase.

 

If you would have had the oil changed at the dealer you wouldn't EVEN know about this because I seriously doubt they would have said anything. Sooooo, dont worry too much and just ride and ENJOY the bike. I think someone is just yanking your chain!

 

If that type of ball bearing was used in either the tranny or engine, and that many fell out of there casings, believe me, more will come, just ride the bike a few miles, drain the oil again and I'm sure you'll find more. However, I think someone is pulling your chain, I'm sure you would be hearing "bearing or grinding" sounds by now. Also since you had two different sizes, it's highly unlikely that two different bearings would fail at the same time.

 

Put those back in!!! I just read in the Service manual you are not supposed to change your crankcase polishing bearings until your 10k service is due. You are treading on possibly voiding your warranty by removing those. Matter of fact, toss a couple more in there while you have the dipstick out.

 

there are no oil passages large enough from the motor to the oil pan to pass 3/8" ball bearings, I also don't think they could have come out of the drain holes, although I haven't measured them, I call BS on this one, someone is fu(kin' with ya....

 

hello to all new to this site just found it, i have been trying to find a noise in my 02 screaming eagle road king for 4 years, took it to a different dealer this week and they could not duplicate the chirping sound at 45 mph that i hear when i ride. i asked them to change the belt which i thought was the problem, and do an alignment on the bike, and luckily after talking to the tech all week he pulled the transmission plug and he found big pieces and little peices and shavings, he said they have found a few 02 and 03 touring traninies like this, end result the bearings went out taking the shaft and main gear and shifting forks. it road fine otherwise except for the noise.

 

Damnit man...........question still reamins. Where did those bastage bearings come from?

 

If one of the bearings were stuck to your drain magnet....I would worry.
Since you didn't mention that they were (you "dumped" them?)...
they may not be harley "Official" bearings...and just something added to the oil
you had in the bike? If it was HARLEY "Official Oil", You may have to get a download
to upgrade the oil, which is $250 ($195 for H.O.G. members + $2.50 recycling fee +
1 year membership renewal (get a 10% coupon on-line for any "on sale" T-shirt that doesn't fit)
Sorry....but if a ball bearing came out with my oil........scary. You had three (different size) and none stuck to a magnet? Priceless.
I wouldn't wait long to change the oil again.

Chuck