chatter noise

[gman362]

1990 XLH1200. I'm hearing some chatter in higher gears when I back off the throttle. I really hear it when going downhill and the engine is acting as a brake. I don't hear it so much in lower gears and not at all when in neutral. Don't hear when on the throttle. My first thought valve chatter but oil level seemed fine. Then I thought possible loose primary chain. I tried to adjust that but still hear noise. Any ideas?

 

[Jack Klarich]

Sporsters can be kind of noisey, I have seen broken piston skirts make a noise sounding like a primary chain noise, try a stethoscope on the push rod tubes to isolate the noise

 

[gman362]

Re: ch Maybe I just don't understaND atter noise

Thnx for replying Jack, but I'm not sure how I can use a stethoscope while I'm riding as the noise only occurs when in gear and usually in the higher gears.

 

[nakkers]

Have you owned and ridden the bike awhile? Is this just someting that has developed?

I believe the primary is chain driven. I could be totally out to lunch here but maybe it's a bit slack?



Ok, folks be easy on me.....

 

[gman362]

I've had it since brand new. New noise. Adjusted primary chain, possibly not correctly.