I have talked with, and about "the ticking top ends" with a lot of people. To me, you either deal with the noise, or you TRY to deal with it. I'm the latter.

Louder stereo, helmet, run bike above 3000 rpms, stock cams......they all help, but its always there.

I rode my buddys (BONE stock) 88ci Street Glide......way quieter then my 103. Also, the fact that I ride in a fairly quiet cab (tall windshield, lowers, wind deflectors on batwing) help to let me hear all the noise the motor is making. Might be time for a Road King with a Pro Pipe......LOL.

Enjoy the ride.

 

Ear plugs my friends. Once you get use to them, you will enjoy the ride so much more. I can still hear the exhaust, but not the engine noise. And you will still be able hear when you get older.

 

I can't really tell you much about the 2012 bike I run a old 2000 Ultra but....

You could dump money into chasing that noise or hold the higher revs. I came from sport bikes (Busa) and love thrashing the Vtwin to the red line. Push it hard once your done with the break in.

I have a 5 speed & have no need for a 6th gear but I tend to short shift a lot too. So its all riding style, just because its a Harley doesn't mean baby it! Ride it like you stole it.

After that, you can play with oil weights before new cams, you'll be shocked in how much of little difference that can make.