I've never had a V-twin before. My 04 sportster has a noticeable and loud tick sounds coming from the primary chain area. Is that just the way it sounds?

Hard to say without hearing it. The chain could be too loose and tapping the top of the primary case. Is it worse when cold? Worse on deceleration? Then it could be loose. Why not find someone who is used to how they are supposed to sound and get their opinion?

--Chris

Every time I start hearing Sportster "noises", I put a set of earplugs in and go for a long ride. The bike sounds really good and handles well. The long ride stops me from questioning the noises!

Try it~~~~ it works!

Pirate

Earplugs and loud pipes both help with noises. :D

Seriously though, if the noise is new, it's worth checking into. If you are new to the bike, it's worth having someone familiar with them have a listen to just tell you it's a normal noise (or not.) Then you have a baseline of sounds for your new bike.

--Chris

My 2006 is totaly quiet, however my neihbor's 2006 ( bought t the same time I got mine) sounds like an old sewing machine tapping........

I'd say it is a loose chain. I noticed the click the other day on my bike and I adjusted the chain slightly to get rid of it. Primary chains stretch a lot when they are fairly new so you have to adjust them quite often. Just tighten your chain a little bit and you'll probably be fine.

Welcome to the forum! Sportys make noise. Have a look inside the primary case, brand new factory manual at hand to guide you. Adj to spec. Matt

My 2006 is totaly quiet, however my neihbor's 2006 ( bought t the same time I got mine) sounds like an old sewing machine tapping........



Thats funny, your neighbor says his bike is quite and yours is the one with all the ticking and tapping going on.