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Two-wheeled, motor-driven transportation, including mopeds and scooters.

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Harley-Davidson Sportster 2012 XL 1200 loud sound when I rev?

My new Harley-Davidson Sportster 2012 XL1200 Custom makes a loud metallic plink sound after it warms up. It does not do it every time but often. I have heard it while going down the road but it happens most often at a stop when you give it a little gas. The bike has just over 1000 miles and is still under warranty. I took it in to the dealership and they did hear it and said they have not come across this before.They said maybe the fuel I was using was too low octane and suggested I use 91 non-oxygenated which I did. I have ran two full tanks of the better fuel with no change. The bike is going in for it's 1000 mile service very soon. I just want other expert advice before it goes in.

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A couple of things come to mind. Start with the simple stuff.

Look for small rocks anywhere on the bike, assuming you can't localize the sound. You an pick them up anytime you ride and the will lodge themselves into interesting places. They seem to rattle at specific RPM ranges. Loose accessories will do this too.

The more technical possibility is a defective catalytic converter. The catalyst separates within the converter causing a loud noise. It sounds a lot different than the sound you hear when the bike exhaust cools down. This is more of a possibility if you have an aftermarket exhaust. This should be easy to confirm. Once they take off the exhaust, just shaking it will move the catalyst around confirming your problem.

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