i have a 2001 fatboy with 22000 kays on. a problem is starting to rear its head in the form of a vibration and louder engine noise (like a louder tappet noise) it feels as if something is loose or a bearing is on its way out,only when the engine is at running temp. it still goes like the clappers no exhaust smoke or using more fuel.has anyone had a similar problem.or a possible fix.

hi Hughy, the only thing i can suggest is that she is loosening up,there normaly noisey in the lifter area-and primary. I had a noise that worried me once, turned out that the exhaust guard needed tightening.if it is worrying ,or too bad mate the only good advice is take it to a dealer. -had a buell that was very noisey,[valae train] stopped worrying when i heard other buells. Are you using 20w-50 oil?

Thanks guys for the reply ,i'm gonna try both your ideas. i'm using a semi synthetic oil that i think gets too thin when hot and that is making everything alot noisier, so i'm going back to the original harley oil.and my mates fatboy had a problem in the primary case something was loose on the crank which would be what your talking about scotty.

just realised that a tech guru is on board,should of looked closer at top of page,handy to know scotty

Hey Hughey,just out of interest, who's is the N/Rod special in your poster?

it was a test ride day at mortlake that geelong harley put on ,thought i'd give it a go.

yer problem fixed , i checked the compensator bolt and it was ok. problem was the semi synthectic oil when hot was to thin, put standard oil in and no more chattering bearings.

What oil/grade oil were you using?

it was recomended by me from the company it was penrite 10w - 50 semi synthetic , a few friends run the same oil and have had no problems at all so i thought i'd give it a go.