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[gearida]

My 110 has a light rattle which sounds like it is on the left side during any RPM above idle. Dealer says some of these motors make noise and it is normal. I have searched threads to see if anyone has brought this up in the past, without finding it, so forgive me if it is a duplicate concern. I feel the pushrods are too loose and the rockers rattle. I read the compensator bolt loose threads and now I am curious if this is what I hear, please describe that noise. I really feel if I go to a adjustable pushrod it may help. Anyone else with this noise and have you fixed it? If I built this engine I would be taking it apart, I have cut my oil filters open to see if any signs of metal are apparent, so far so good.

[Midnight Rider]

Noises like that can drive you nuts pinpointing the cause.  First thing to do is check all fasteners, as it could be something as simple as a loose bolt on the footboard, etc.  Check exhaust for clearance at all points close to the frame.  A compensator bolt is a definite metallic "ring", and not a "tic".  These motors do make noises, so some things are indeed "normal".  Personally, I don't think changing pushrods is going to do a thing.  There are known lifter issues with the 110, but it's not consistant across all engines, just some of them.  There's a few threads here on lifter issues.  Changing pushrods AND lifters may decrease noise a bit, but I'd hunt down other causes first, and compare your 110 to another one if you know anybody else who has one in your area.  The older 110's had rocker box clearance issues, but those have been resolved since early versions ('07's).

[gearida]

Lifter issues? My noise sure sounds upper end, left side, and is less irritating with the synthetic oil. Still have it, but I tried Castrol GTX and it was worst. I was a Porsche tech and Castrol 20w-50 I had extra and thought for the heck of it I would try. It was suggested for air cooled motors. I will have to read or search out the lifter issue threads. Thanks for the reply. Oh, I have been over the bike a few times looking for any loose items, but it is a noise that changes with RPMs.

[Midnight Rider]

Lifter issues? My noise sure sounds upper end, left side, and is less irritating with the synthetic oil. Still have it, but I tried Castrol GTX and it was worst. I was a Porsche tech and Castrol 20w-50 I had extra and thought for the heck of it I would try. It was suggested for air cooled motors. I will have to read or search out the lifter issue threads. Thanks for the reply. Oh, I have been over the bike a few times looking for any loose items, but it is a noise that changes with RPMs.

I use Redline 20W60 Synthetic and it helps a little bit with the valve train noises.  Have been a Castol GTX fan for many years...since my VW days, which is a LONG time ago.  I only run Synthetics in the HD though...they get a bit too hot for regular Dino oil, IMO.  Oil is like a religion though...there's no "right" choice, other than choosing a good Synthetic like Amsoil, Mobil I, Redline, etc.  Those three are a tossup with regards to quality.  I do think Redline Shockproof in the tranny is the best thing since sliced bread though.

If you've got a lifter not pumping up right, it can cause noise that is a bitch to pinpoint.  I have one on my '11 SERGU that will bleed down after the bike sits for a week or two...it'll tap on ititial startup, but after a couple of seconds, it's fine.  From reports I've read here, it seems the rear lifter is the main one that goes bad for whatever reason.  I've had a comp nut loose before on my '06 103, but it was a common problem back then, and you could FEEL it in the left floorboard, in addition to hearing it at certain RPM.  I've also had my '06 103 auto primary chain tensioner (not stock back then) get loose (due to a DA at the HD dealership attempting to adjust an auto adjuster), but it sounds like a box of rocks in the primary.

Just turn the stereo up louder...