Thanks again. I'm starting to think I am okay with all the great responses.

just an fyi...when i took my bike home first day i brought it straight to the dealer to get recall done got it back the brakes were giving me trouble among other things...and i noticed a lot of engine noise and started freaking out just like you are thinking i made the biggest mistake of my life since my honda was so quiet ..after a few times of being reassured i dont even notice it anymore haha just sounds like a sewing machine and a machine gun put together with my pipes haha

your bike is probably just fine welcome aboard

ya got the best now enjoy

Thanks Paul. I probably will do the stage 3 but have my eyes on VH Short Shots Staggered...I wonder how much of a difference the sound will be between those choices....gonna search for that.

Story sounds like mine..I did a massive cleanup and still took me a month to be happy with the condition of my 04..Had the same engine noise and almost sold the bike, but I tryed LUCAS upper cylinder lubricant and cleaner...1 ounce in every tank. On the second tank the noise was gone and the bike idled better..Like magic. I believe these bikes are really effected by carbon buildup,cuaeing valve noise.. I even get 10 mph faster than my buddys 05..
Have patience, I went from massive dissappointment to a love affair with my roady.

Probably right. It's reassuring hearing everyone's comments. Thanks.

Thanks. I'm thinking there may be a relationship here after all. At least I can upgrade my bike !!!!

Keep reading this clinic and you will be surprised what you will do and the results you will get
Cheers from Canada eh!!

ednier wrote:
I probably will do the stage 3 but have my eyes on VH Short Shots Staggered...I wonder how much of a difference the sound will be between those choices....gonna search for that.

The stage 3 pipes have, IMO, a great sound. Mellow and not too loud. Short Shots, at least on my buddies HD, are so loud my ears just about bleed. I NEVER ride behind or to the right of him. The problem with the stockers is that you can't lower the bags and they are heavy as hell. Is yours a bagger or naked?

Paul

I remember when I first heard my Road Star. I was thinking, "Man, this is HEAVEN." The previous owner had installed BUB exhaust. It sounds deaper and meaner than my Harley. Then I road it and was in love. I'm used to riding HDs and my assumption was that it was going to sound and ride like a Honda...too smooth, no character. I was WRONG. Those engine sounds are completely normal for an air cooled, big pistoned, push-rod mill. If my engine went quiet, stopped vibrating and stopped spluttering now and again, then I would get worried that something was wrong or if I wasn't even riding a motorcycle. I think you did well on the price of your bike..you got a good deal. I paid nearly 5K for my 02 with 25k miles and was overjoyed at the deal. A used 02 Road King or Heritage was going to set me back at least 10K, but even at 10K, you are still going to get engine tapping and vibration...all part of the REAL V-Twin experience - just MHO.