Hi just purchase a 2007 heritage softail. Didnt really notice this till later on, Bought it in Vic and rode back to Sydney last weekend. Im not that good at describing noises but it sort of sounds like a grindy sort of noise like when your waterpump bearing goes in a car. It could have been there from the start im not sure but anyway the bike ran perfectly all the way home. Would anyone have any suggestions what this could be? Im not a mechanic as such but could it be a pulley? I dont want to take it to some place where im told its a rebuild job when its not. Its done 66k all highway miles mainly....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Sincerely,

Bathory

Which side of the motor, If it is on the left it could be the Compensator bolt come loose and rubbing against the primary case, easy fix

 rear wheel bearing ? 

Thanks for all the advice guys, its definately coming from the motor area as it is still evident even when bike is stationery......

check the oil levels?

First don’t run the engine again until the source of the noise is identified ,grinding noises are usually associated with rotating assemblies in deep trouble, bearings ,rotors ,chains etc ,tapping noises are usually valve train or linear motion assemblies knocking noises are usually excessive clearances one common instance is pistons ,piston noise can sometimes be played by varying the load on the engine also excessive rod and main clearance will knock or rumble.
Pre 05 TCA and 06 TCB recorded instances of spring loaded cam chain tensioner issues that surprisingly sometimes did not make that much noise until their failure.
The 07 model may still have a bolted alternator rotor, the later version was welded and a much superior assembly. There were recorded instances of the bolts coming loose and finally shearing allowing the alt rotor to run against the crankcase making a grinding noise, and associated damage.
All that said ,strip and assess is the only option available ,the more you run a noise for show and tell the more you pay in the end.
Note; my comments are engine related only.