I have an 09 ultra and just noticed a clinking sound coming from the front part of the motor. sounds sort of like a metal clink like when a stone hits a metal part of the bike. only notice the sound when in 5th or 6th gear and accelerating going anywhere between 60 and 80 mph. what could this be.

Tim a.

 

Just a guess, but if you have that noise only under those conditions, it may be spark knock or detonation. Not likely if your bike is stock, but possible.
Time for a tune.

 

Ok 74 views and only one suggestion of what it could be come on guys. A little more info please. The bike is stock except for rush 2.0 slipons has only 4800 miles. would just like ideas of what it could be before i take it in to dealer. this sound maybe normal sound but dont know. wouldnt want to go to dealer and look stupid if it is normal. hopefully i am describing the sound correctly but it sounds like when you go over some small stones that get stuck in tire then fling out on fender or something similar to that sound does it when in 5th and 6 th gear when accelerating.

 

Based upon your description, I would have to agree with the knock or detonation diagnosis. Even running stock, this could be caused by bad fuel or lugging the engine.

 

3rd the knock ping. Are you running premium fuel? 91+ octane?

 

My '09 Ultra and my '94 Ultra clicks from the front of the engine. You have great sound reflectors in the fairing and lower fairings. Also running straight synth. oil can increase the sound level. I believe what you are hearing is typical valve train noise.
Craig

 

My totally stock 07 ultra did the same, especially when it was hot from sitting in traffic, everyone told me it's pinging. It's a lot better with better exaust and tuning.

Kevin 07 Ultra
V&H dresser duals
Reinhart slipons
K&n
PCIII
Dynoed and tuned

 

Probably is normal,the dealer will probably say the same thing,they always do!

 

pinging

 

I do only run 87 octane but have never heard that sound before i never lug the engine i keep rpms between 2500 and 3000 so maybe next fill up i will give the higher octane a try. but would this sound only occur in 5th and 6th gear. i would think using lower octane fuel i would be hearing the pinging all the time not just in higher gear.