Motorcycle Repair: Sportster 883 excessive valve train noise, harley sportster 883, 2005 harley sportster

Question
I have a 2005 Harley Sportster 883.  Seems like as soon as it reached 1000 miles on it the valve train gets noisier all the time.  It now has 3300 miles on it.  I took it into the dealership here in Carson City NV twice and they told me that noise was normal for an 883.  All my friends differ with this diagnosis.  When I climb the mountain roads it seems to get even noisier.  I don't notice any loss of power or clank coming out of the exhaust pipes.  I would appreciate your input...
  thanks Pete

Answer
Its hard for me to determine a problem when a noise is involved when I cant hear it. Most sportsters have some valve train noise, due to the fact that the pushrods are on the outside of the motor. Your noise is probably the lifters and the valve lash in the pushrods which will make a ticking noise.
I would start by changing to a synthetic oil. Sometimes that will quiet them. If its still ticking then you would have to change to a different lifter. There are ones out there that are very quiet.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike