On occasion, folks mention different sounds on their Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and ask us to check them out. We are always happy to oblige. For instance, you hear someone mention the 5th Gear Sounds different than the 6th on their motorcycle. Or, you may hear someone mention that their engine sounds different now than it did 10,000 miles ago. Most of the time, the sound we hear is a normal representation of the motorcycle they ride. The truth is that all engines produce different sounds in their life. There are several things that lend differrent notes to an engine.
- Maintenance. A properly maintained engine sounds different than an engine that hasn't been maintained as much. We often hear "my buddies bike doesn't sound like mine and they are the same year." We begin asking some questions and learn that one Harley® has been maintained religiously and the other is over in service schedule. It does indeed make a difference. It produces a different sound.
- Components. One motorcycle may have different components than the other and that indeed produces different sounds. One may have an air cleaner and one may not. If you want to compare sounds, make sure you are comparing two motorcycles with the same components. Moreover, even rubbing sounds are different. How does one brake versus the other. We have had folks tell us that you should never use the front brake on your motorcycle and we have had other folks tell us that they have been riding since we were in diapers and you only use the front brake to stop. In the end, it is your Harley®, you brake how you want. But keep in mind that brakes will break in differently as well and produce a different sound on the same year and model.
- Difference of Fluids. We have found that a Harley-Davidson® that has been serviced with standard oil versus SYN3 Oil produces a different sound over time. Does that make standard oil bad? Not at all. We are talking about engine sounds, not wear.
- CC Size. Most would agree that a 103 versus a 110 Engine produce a different sound. So why would you want to compare how your friends 2004 Heritage Engine Sounds versus your 2017 Milwaukee Eight Harley-Davidson® Street Glide CVO. You wouldn't compare those.
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