Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Ticking from front of cylinders

Ok,, so I was cruising down the freeway about 60 and the motor started a ticking noise from in front of the cylinders,, turned around, came home, any ideas what this might be, the noise has never been there in over 6000 miles, I get a bit of noise at start up, but it always goes away quickly

Mine ticks too, dealer said they all kind of do. I had valves adjusted at 8000 miles and it got better. Check your oil.

I was wondering about that,, I believe I probably have the only bonneville in town, would be nice to be around others to notice things like that

I know what you mean, I have only ever heard one other America run. Makes it hard to diagnose sounds when all your friends have Harleys

The valves make some noise, just like the old bikes it is better for them to be slightly loose than too tight. Neither extreme is good but to the loose side won't hurt anything where as too tight can be very bad! If it doesn't make a little noise get worried.

As said above, ALWAYS make sure there is enough oil. Although I have never had to add any between changes on our bikes.

also check the header bolts.
they can get loose with time.
and a slight exhaust leak at the header can "tick"