Motorcycle Repair: engine noise, piston slap, rod bearings

Question
Have a '97 FLHR with 70,000.  Have it torn down to cases now replacing gaskets.  Found some scoring on walls and looks like some piston slap.  Haven't heard piston slap noise, but during the past 2 riding seasons have heard some tapping at higher revs when I take engine off a load, when going downhill and drop load.  A tapping sound until revs come down a bit.  Thought was tappets, replaced them with Cranes, pushrods adjusted correctly, no change.  Asked a lot of people what noise could be, nothing made sense.  Just saw that symptoms could be connecting rod(s) a bit loose.  Want to put her back together to get thru this riding season, but want to get an opinion on this.

Thanks,
Greg

Answer
With 70,000 miles and you have it part way down, I would go ahead and inspect the rod bearings, just to be on the safe side. Your tapping might be a rocker arm that is worn, but while you have it apart check them, as well as do a valve job. Your pistons are just worn and probably need replaced as well
Good luck and happy riding
Mike