I have purchased a new Heritage Softail Classic (2010) that has a Screamen Eagle Air Cleaner, HD Fuel Pack and a set of Vance and Hinze Pipes, anyway I have noticed a rattle sound coming from somewhere between my knees, when I am in 6th Gear doing between 100 to 110 KMk going up hill under load.  It sounds awful and as I am still running it in ensuring I am following the directions regarding speed and gear selection out of the book I am a bit worried the rattle noise may be causing some undue wear or damage.  I have just reached 1000 Km and booked it in for its first service.  When I drop down to fifth gear and gently use the throttle it tends to dissapear.  Has anyone had this problem and How do I fix it.  Please help.

Harley rationalising their product range

don't let it labour going up hills !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted here to get a real answer. Us Sporty riders know how a real Harley should ride.

Thankyou RT for your comments, I have been able to do some extensive research on the topic of pinging and lean fuel mixture and it has greatly expanded my knowledge, It appears that instinctivly I did the right thing by dropping down a gear to increase the revs.

I can now go to the mechanic when I get the bike serviced and discuss the problem without looking like a fool. Thankyou.


Rodders a special thankyou for your kind words and special introduction and thankyou for pointing out i need to go to the right section.

Just as a matter of interest I have been riding motorcycles since 1972 and the fact I am still alive today indicates to me I can ride reasonably well.

I am glad that I have the good sence to seek quality advice when an issue arises that I have no previous knowledge of, I figure thats how we learn and grow.

Thats OK No offence taken,

I guess if you ride a Harley you must be OK, nothing wrong with a bit of a dig.

Just in general because I have never owned a Harley before, is it common that they have never been real happy under load up hill in top gear. I figure having a 96 cubic inch power plant that up hills in top gear (6th) at 110 and above kmh would not cause any problems. Apart from dropping down a gear is there another solution to stop the pinging?

Ive owned one british bike a 1951 Triumph Thunderbird that always rattled apart and leaked oil when I was a young fella, that was when on any bike you had to hang on for your life, leave caution to the wind and go like the clappers as the unforgiving bike tried to throw you off.

After that I owned many Japanese Bikes that were really great to scrape foot pegs, slide round corners and fight the dreaded speed wobbles.

Now I have a Harley the temptation to ride the crappers out of it is still with me but I suppose a little respect for this fine machine goes a long way.

Ta for you advice.

Kevin