Harleys Don't Tell Time and the Top End Shouldn't Tick

Harleys make some strange noises which are perfectly normal but can really be annoying after a while. We can't fix all the noises as Harleys are purely mechanical engines with loose tolerances and that's just the way it is. The good news is we can fix the most relevant and that's the little tick in top end which we can do something about. This is one of the most prominent noises and the engine and the good news is the parts are only about 25 bucks. Rocker Lockers are the way to go if you've tried oil, push rods, lifters and just about anything else the parts cannon can fire at the bike. Now if you've got some other problems going on like worn bearings, lifters or cams you'll need to address those issues first.

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Bikes on the channel:

Motorcycle: 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200CP (Sportster 1200 Custom)

Custom Parts Installed:
Screamin' Eagle Heavy Breather air cleaner
Harley-Davidson Reach Seat
Harley-Davidson Chrome and Rubber Collection grips
Drag Specialties Offset Clevis Footpeg Conversion Kit
Aftermarket Detachable Back Rest
Harley-Davidson Air Flow timing cover
Harley-Davidson Air Flow clutch cover
Screamin' Eagle spark plug wires
Screamin' Eagle spark plugs
Flipped Down Stock Mirrors

Motorcycle: 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200X (Sportster Forty-Eight)

Custom Parts installed:
Harley-Davidson Factory Security System
Screamin' Eagle Exteme Billed Air Cleaner (Black)
Harley-Davidson Burst Collection Foot Pegs
Harley-Davidson Burst Collection Grips
Harley-Davidson Burst Collection Shifter Peg
Screamin' Eagle spark plug wires

[GixxerFoo]

Have you tried the Rocker Lockers and got the tick out of the top end?

[KaptainGonzo]

Saves me the need for a stereo. The 'mechanical music' is part of why I love my Sporty.

[scottarmstrong]

Great info. I also use Amsoil and don't have any noticeable ticks in my rockers. You could also install drag pipes. They may not eliminate the tick but you won't hear it any more.

[MAHGlie]

I’ve ridden Guzzi for over 30 years. I don’t even notice the tick on my HO 103 Road Glide Ultra. Perspective.

[petemathieson]

Installed rocker lockers on my 03 electraglide standard with 79, 000 miles. Made a huge difference to the top end tic. Much quieter ride now

[davidnanze]

Yes i installed them on my bike. took about 3 hours taking my time and letting the lifters bleed down before adjusting the push rods. Im happy with the results even 3 years later.

[goldengoat]

I've owned my first harley for about a week and I'm a new rider and have been searching to see if this ticking was normal thanks for video man! The clip helped verify it as well thank you!

[WaxMeister]

I've done rocker-lockers on several of my twin cam bikes to varying degrees of effectiveness. While the 'tick' is clearly reduced in most application I've done, it is seldom completely eliminated but, it is definitely much better than without. I have actually also had success with experimenting with oils and oil flow, basically landed on two additional solution that almost completely eliminate the valve train noises when coupled with rocker-lockers upgrade - I always install the Axtell's Oil By-pass upgrade which doubles oil flow resulting in significant improved oil pressure and volume to the top of the heads In addition, I've landed on using Harley's SAE 60 non-synthetic oil. It's a special order but, it's now the only oil I have used for nearly a decade now.

[dt-]

This is a great video with much needed info. I am a new rider, bought a 95 Sportster XLH 883 and soon became worried about the tick. It got louder and louder after taking a leisurely ride. I changed the engine and primary oil using Mobil1 synthetic 20w50 thinking that would help... it did not. Then I learned from the previous owner he always used conventional oil... so, now I'm draining the syn and trying the conventional (Castrol Go 4T 20W50). I really hope this works, for some the ticking may be music to their ears (and I understand that) but it takes away from the joy and peace of mind running down the road for me.
If this doesn't work, I guess I will invest in that Rocker Locker... thanks so much for making this video!!!

[betruly]

I love and hate Harley. No other brand in the world can manage to occupy both place in a heart of a rider.😍😉

[BrassAmTV]

Had rocker lockers installed on my '91 XLH 883 Deluxe and I must say that ticks are gone. I may subjectively feel that the bike is running better, but most probably because my HD garage also changed all gaskets from bottom to top. Thanks for your videos anyway and always sharing good advice and experience.

[carlbruhn]

Over the years I just quit letting it get to me. Tried the oil change up thing but then I felt line ke I became more critical of ticks. I just enjoy the ride.

[duckman]

Thank you for all of the great information! I just purchased an 02 Ultra Classic with 39k on it. I purchased it because you gave me the confidence and the information I needed to make an informed decision. Thank you very much!!!
Duckman

[semperfipar]

Yes, when I first bought my Harley way back in 2001 I thought that Harleys just made that clickity clackitiy noise. Everyone said the same thing. Then at about 500 miles when the rings seated I changed out the oil to castrol syntec 20W50 car oil. I cranked up the bike and low and behold no upper engine noise. Could not hear a thing but smooth operation. Ran good multi-viscosity car oil ever since without a problem. Took it to the dealer one time and they even complimented on the sound of the engine and how smooth it sounded. They asked me how and I said "ancient Chinese secret". LOL! Multi-viscosity is the way to go for engines because it provides good thin oil lubrication on cold engines and you have practically instant oil pressure as thin oils pump way better than thick oils. If you like to run motorcycle oil AMSOIL, or extended performance Mobil.

[bradballard]

This is a discussion we've been having here lately, I believe I'm going to put them on my bike this winter.
Thanks for the upload enjoy your channel

[hugieflhr]

You are spot on and brutally honest, that’s why I watch!!!

[Hoglife]

Thanks Gix, I know this video was made two years ago but this was a major help in 2023 with my 03 Heritage Softail Classic flstci top end knock, it may have been there for awhile and I haven’t heard it due to loud Screamin Eagle II’s pipes or having heavy metal playing on pandora, I’m gonna try Amsoil in her and see what it does, thanks for all your videos brother🤘🏻🤘🏻

[sonofabishop]

If you can hear your engine you need to turn up the music or turn up the throttle, lol. Freaking love Harleys.

[dieselsoggydog]

I tried synthetic oils in several different motorcycles I've owed over the years, and everyone of them made more noise with synthetic (Amzoil was the worse) than running conventional oil. I'm currently using Spectro conventional Heavy Duty oil and works great.

[marcziegenbein]

Trying out different oil definitely helped my ticking noise, but from what I've read on the internet the rocker lockers are really beneficial when the rocker shaft groove is excessively worn down.