Not sure if this is normal or is a definate concern, can anyone with some long time Harley experience with new bikes provide some feed back? .....When I start the bike and idle to warm up I can hear a very definate loud knock what sounds like is coming from the big end or front of the primary case, definately on the left side front of engine, doesn't change with clutch operation, can't hear it if I give a little rev but returns at idle, the noise is completely gone once the bike has been for a run, I never noticed this until recently and am sure it never used to do it . the bike is an 09 nightrain brought new and has only done just on 5000k all has been going well (farkin loving it), had its run in service done by the dealership as prescribed, ran in according to dealer and service manual, oils checked regularly etc etc etc, I have even changed the gearbox and primary oils with redline synthetics, heavy shock and ATF at 4000k, nothing suspect was discovered. 

Is this normal and I am only noticing it now as the engine is bedding in ??

 

Hmmm thanks for the feed back, had heard of compensator spokets comming loose but thought they had sorted it with the 09's

Might give the stealer a call tomorrow and see if I can get them to check it out

Thanks for all the replys and advice, from all posts so far, Thanks Rob for putting it up on the US site, it is sounding very much like the compensator ... fuck it all!!!! have spoken to the stealer and they agreed that it is most probably the compensator and are going to check it out.

To answer other questions .... No doesn't matter if on side stand or not knocks anyway but only when cold, yes it does a big "clunk-bang" when starting - but stealer reckons this is normal??? yes have been over it with a bush mechanics stethoscope (big screwy) and definatly front left primary/big end area(was one of my first actions), I agree noises can't be heard on here making diagnosis difficult for you all and appreicate you suggestions and help, have done basic investigations and am fairly sure it is not rocker, lifter or chain noise

I am a trade qualified mechanic and could diagnose with pulling apart however I am not Harley familiar and just don't want to be pulling my brand new bike apart at my cost when it is under warranty, wasn't sure if it was a normal harley noise or not, espically when I am still running stock so things are much quieter and can be heard more easily

Thanks heaps for the help guys, will post up what happens at the stealers on Monday

Ok got the bike to the workshop today, as normal the knock was a knocking when the bike was cold, did the hours ride to Bundy and as normal no knock when hot, told them what the drama was and when it happens, the spanner man had a look and a ride and yep no knock when it's hot, left them with the bike for a while let it cool and yep they got the knock when they started it again, they confirmed it was definatly not normal and noisey enough to justify pulling the primary apart under warranty, they got it apart then grilled me about what oil was in there - I had changed to Redline ATF about 1000 k earlier. they weren't aware of Redline oils and were kinda puzzled why someone would put ATF in their bike and tried to convince me I should be using genuine oils .... No fault or loose bits could be found inside the primary, again they tried to blame the oil so I agreed to let them put HD Formula+ back in and we will see what happens, back together again and yep still knocks with the genuine oil  proved it wasn't the Redline  which is kinda good as it certainly helps the clutch and makes shifting smoother, I will be going back to it once the problem is sorted.

End result - they think it is the auto primary chain tensioner not adjusting properly, they had tried to manually adjust it but that didn't fix it either, they also confirmed they have recently had 3 other bikes with the same noise and suspect problem and will be talking to HD and trying to get a fix from them.

Good crew up there at Bundy M/C, made sure my wait was comfortable, really helpful overall and assured me it's ok to ride, shouldn't do any damage and won't self destruct.

Will post up further results once they have talked to HD and get it sorted.