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[Serkcus]

Haven't been posting much lately, too little time and too much to do! Having a real dilemma that I'm hoping that someone more knowledgeable than I ( probably most of you guys) could help me out here. My 07 SERK engine  has seemed (at least to me) very noisy at 2200 to 3000 rpm. And I am worried about it's ability to survive an upcoming trip on the 26th of August, a total of about 3000 miles round trip. I am terrified about a major breakdown during this trip.  I  have had the dealer clearance the rocker boxes and they have also installed adjustable pushrods. Overall, change in noise levels and type of noises has not appreciatively changed, it still seems to generate a significant amount of noise at lower ( up to about 2900 RPM), after which it seems to run great. although I wonder if noise becomes blended or so frequent at RPM of 3K and above to be noticed.

When started cold, the engine sounds like it has a slight miss or a skip or chuff that also can be detected in the exhaust note. This seems to disappear when the engine warms up. When riding in lower gears at 2200 to 2900 rpm the valve ( at least I think it's the valves) have a random ticking sound out of sink with the slight valve ticking noise. This becomes more noticeable as the throttle is decreased. When the engine is fully warmed, it runs great at 3K or above. If brought to an idle when hot. it sounds like a slight knocking from the front of the engine and a similar type of sound when in lower gears and steady throttle at 2900 RPM.

Have finally persuaded the dealer to check crank runout at the cam end the day before we leave. In summary, this is a very noisy engine/transmission combination that has  me wondering if I should be brave enough to head out on the highway with , which is the reason I bought this bike for. Reading others posts has me worried about the big 5000 mile barrier on these engines. Tried out an 08 RK during a dealer test ride , last week and could not believe hoe quiet the engine and tranny was compared to mine.

What to do?

[Gecko]

I have a similar noise, especially when you let off on the throttle partway as you report.  Put a windshield on and you can really hear it.  My rocker boxes were also clearanced (at least they said they did that) two days before leaving for Sturgis and I had visions of mushrooming valve stems and circulating bits of metal.  No problems or change in the noise in two thousand miles of riding.  I also have a very shakey idle, but nothing that sounds like a knock.  A SERT is next so we'll see if the idle can be improved.  The dealer said they've had some stock ones that just seem to idle worse than others even with the torque smoothing download.

[miker]

Mine is sert, rh2-1, se ac and noisy....Take the windshield off and it goes away....
I have had noisier, rattelier and shakier bikes in the past, each one was similar in noises.
If you are paranoid over the issues, get the rockers clearanced and the pinion runout checked before you go.
If it is not an issue, you pay, if it is, they pay or hit the road and let the chips fall where they may.

Good luck on your ride and keep the shiney side up!

Miker

[djkak]

......My 07 SERK engine  has seemed (at least to me) very noisy at 2200 to 3000 rpm. And I am worried about it's ability to survive an upcoming trip on the 26th of August, a total of about 3000 miles round trip......I have had the dealer clearance the rocker boxes and they have also installed adjustable pushrods.....Have finally persuaded the dealer to check crank runout at the cam end the day before we leave. In summary, this is a very noisy engine/transmission combination....Tried out an 08 RK during a dealer test ride , last week and could not believe hoe quiet the engine and tranny was compared to mine.

What to do?

Regarding the difference between your ’07 and the ’08 that you tried: I recently received some feedback from a person that installed a “cushion drive” rear sprocket assembly on his ’07 Electra Glide. This person reported that the difference with the new sprocket was dramatic.

This person talked specifically about the difference while maintaining speed at 55 mph in 6th gear, as well as how the sprocket took the “edge” off, and changed the feel of the machine.

First of all, I don’t advocate, and would strongly discourage running your machine at 55 mph in 6th gear; but that’s another thread. The point is that there may be a substantial difference in the way an ’08 feels and sounds (driveline) compared to an ’07 specifically because of the rear wheel sprocket changes.

Regarding your engine noise, some engines are noisier than others; it’s the nature of mass produced products to have tolerance variations and “stack up’s” that result in one engine running different than another; assuming that your engine is not experiencing some malfunction. It sounds like your Dealer has, or is going to perform an in depth inspection, and if the report back is clean, I would run the machine and enjoy your vacation.

djkak

[sooiee]

I would not run the bike at 55 in 6th gear. 
you will definately hear all kinds of chatter and clunking. 
6th should be at 60+ and really more like 65+. 

Let us know what they find out. 

J

[Serkcus]

Thanks all for the replies.  :)In some way you have eliminated a small amount of my fears on long distance travel with this beast. Would not have as much concern if it weren't for the fact that the wife is going along on her 06 Sportster,which is now a solo seat job. I know she could/would not continue even if she had to return alone if mine broke down. Dilemmas, dilemmas, what to do.

[harleyteam]

just keep in mind these are high performance bikes,, up shift at 3 grand or better, downshift at 2 grand.  cruising speed at 2200 to 2500 rpm's and you should be fine.   less then that and you are lugging the motor.  higher then that,, and you can join Howies club.

but most of all ,,,  ENJOY