the gears and rpm ranges referenced in the above posts are too low for a stock 96" motor.

especially if you are pulling a hill.

6th should be about 65 mph or better yet, 70 mph. ( lugging the motor can cause damage to the bottom end bearings)

Justin, you mentioned your '59. You'll remember that the 4th gear was only used for cruising, downshift to 3rd for pulling/passing/ hills, as the top gear was weak.


You didn't mention which model bike you have , I find a huge difference in "Perceived Noise" depending whether windshield or no, fairing, fair lowers---any of these things that reflect the sound from the motor directly at the rider.

High frequency sounds are very directional and easily reflected...and it could be that the riders seat is the "magic spot" to which certain sounds are reflected.

when I put the windshield on my '53 the top end sounds like it is coming out of the pan covers---when i put on the canvas winter shield kit, the valvetrain clatter is absorbed and it sounds like the valve train isn't working.

My 96" EG Classic has the fairing lowers, and I do get a fairing amount of noise, but nothing untowards or dangerous sounding- and the noise difference of knees out/knees to tank is huge.


the real good news here is that if there is a problem gathering, you have the 2 year warranty to correct any problems.


On my particular bike ( 09) , in completely stock trim I had a persistant ping at 2800~3200 rpm on grades, this condition remained the same through changes in pipes and air cleaner, and was solved when I put XIEDS on the o2 sensors to have the ECM slightly richen the mixture at cruise.
Pinging sounds like pebbles rattling in a coffee can, irregular not rhythmic- and will occur under certain repeatable conditions, usually under high load. ( and if using low octane gas this can really be a problem- how's the gas on the Island?)
Does this sound like it might be your problem?



Mike