same thing with my o8 streetglide and before with my 07 streetbob, at the dealership they said it was the compensator sprocket winding up, sounds like someone slapping the motor with a piece of two by four. they said it was normal, but i'm not really comfortable with it either myself. if anything is banging that hard in the starting process, there are surely issues to be dealt with later i'm thinking, only time will tell though, surely they've tested it through and through in their design with longevity being of interest.

 

read this:

 

here is that Tech Tip 258

 

Mine makes the same noise starting up. Harleys are noisy anyway.

 

Will new HD pn#40274-08(Big Twin Compensator) take care of this problem and then some?

 

+1

 

I would suggest to you that it is your "starter back-kicking". VERY HARD ON THE STARTER, STARTER CLUTCH AND PINION GEAR. HD stealers offer little to no assistance. It's true that a lot of big bikes do it because of a smaller tooth gear HD started using some years ago. The '"stealers" make a lot of money replacing parts so they "don't care" about this problem. If your not prepared to change your "ring gear", best to start your bike in neutral or be prepared to spend HUNDREDS of $$$$ every couple of years replacing your starter components.

Cheers
G

 

I know this is not what you want to hear but "all 96"s do it". To prove my point go down to your friendly (or not) Harley shop on Saturday morning when there are a lot of riders milling around. Go inside, get yourself a cup of coffee and then wander outside where the riders park. Now, just listen. You will hear this same exact sound many times while enjoying your coffee. Nothing to be alarmed about. I hear it on 07-08s and yes on my 09.

Harleys are a lot like older people in that they make all kinds of rude noises when they awaken. In the end it don't amount to diddly. The time to get conserned is when it starts smokin, pukin oil somewhere or the motor sounds like it has a flock of wild geese inside.

 

Normal means to me that all bikes do this and its not true.Guess its also normal when the teeth get sheared off too. This has happened to several owners so far.Is it the comp bottoming out do its known weakness?I would say yes.Is it the poor tune from the factory?Again yes.Has anyone seen the difference between cylinders on same bike-piston down in hole on a 96incher? Esp on the early builds.103 kits lessened this error! Correcting the head cc,a good tune that looks at what each jug wants will end this.The new SE comp should also help once its available. You can also listen to what the dealerships are being told to pass on.They like your business esp when warrantys run out.

 

Over time, my big bang quieted down.

Break-in solved my excessive heat, perhaps it solves the bang too? (IMHO)