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[SmokeyJoe]

First and only time I heard this form my bike.  The bike had been sitting for about 2 days in nearly freezing weather (in a gargae).

Anyway I started the bike and for about 3 seconds it sounded like someone beating 2 large pieces of metal together, clanged about 4-5 times in this 3 seconds.

Any clue what thi scould be or what I shoudl check?

[cahdbiker]

SmokeyJoe,  sounds like a lifter bled down. I had a similar noise two times when my 09 was almost new, but not in freezing weather. Once right after start up in warm weather and another time I was on the road for about 10 minutes when it made the noise you described. Both times lasted about 5 seconds and went away. That was about 15k miles ago. I hope it is something simple like that. How long had it been sitting since the last time you started it?CAHDBIKER

[SmokeyJoe]

Only 2 days.

What does that mean a lifter bled down, dont sound so good.

[Ghost__Rider]

I agree, sounds like lifters loosing prime. Mine started this randomly doing the exact same thing. Eventually got worse and I replaced with S&S premium lifters. No more issue.

[SmokeyJoe]

Could changing oil have anything to do with it,  I just went to Mobile V-Twin from HD Syn?

[dartman]

Only 2 days.

What does that mean a lifter bled down, dont sound so good.

Not uncommon occasionally if your engine shuts off with a valve held open the lifter will bleed down and clatter for a second on start up, both my bikes do it once in a while in cold weather.

[grc]

Could changing oil have anything to do with it,  I just went to Mobile V-Twin from HD Syn?

Nope, the brand of oil isn't the problem. 

Jerry

[sadunbar]

Only 2 days.

What does that mean a lifter bled down, dont sound so good.

The lifters in your bike are hydraulic lifters - they use pressurized oil to properly maintain zero valve lash.  With your motor shut off,  lifter preload or a lifter holding a valve open can "bleed" off the hydraulic pressure.   When starting a very cold motor, it takes a few seconds for the oil to fully pressurize the lifters.  Until the lifters are fully pressurized (or "pumped up"), they will make a "clatter" sound.

Some types of lifters utilize "travel limiters", which reduce the amount lifters can bleed down, minimizing the condition you experienced.  Lifters without travel limiters can bleed down up to .200 (depending on pushrod preload adjustment).  Lifters with travel limiters installed can bleed down up to .100 (depending on pushrod preload adjustment).

Changing to Mobil V-Twin is a good thing, and will have no negative effect on your motor.