First Ride in Warm Weather - Noises - Normal or Not?

[Troll]

Mine sounds like a cement mixer full of rocks when it's cold, and quiets down as it warms up...I have almost 74,000 on it as of today.
The new design engines are quite a bit quieter. Remember, the basic engine dates back to 1988....

[Billyfeet]

These bikes have hydraulic lifters. If it has not been run for a while they "bleed" down. It sometimes takes a while for the lifters to get oiled up, making a little ticking, rattle sound. It should go away after a nice long ride.

[John Hopkins]

If you don't ride it much maybe it just sounds noisy..consider this..750 cc's per pot, thats as much as most bikes have for their entire engine, that translates to a 3 litre engine on a four cylinder car or 4.5 litre on a six..

If you are still concerned try this..

with the engine idling press the point of a large flat blade screwdriver against the front pot and put the handle against your ear, this will act as a stethoscope and transmit the noises so you can hear them clearly..now move the screwdriver around the engine..

You don't really have to know what you are listening for because as you have two cylinders you have two of everything, the noise from one part should sound the same as the noise from it's twin.

John.

[jmbo]

Finally, finally, finally hit ninety this week.  Took my 1500 out for a run.  Ran great but it seemed a little noisier as she really warmed up. The engine ticking seemed a little louder and the shifting seemed to hang up a bit.  I'm used to some engine noises.  I used to own a Triumph Thunderbird 900 three banger. The engine sounded like a sewing machine from day one.  I alway watch the lag time for the oil light to come one after I shut down the motor.  That seems normal so the pressure's up. The Drifter has fresh oil and only 12K miles on the clock (well 13K since my run)  Does any of this sound normal?