Motorcycle Repair: Lifters, hydraulic lifters, rear exhaust

Question
Hi there,
A friend of mine is considering buying a 1996 1200cc sportster. It only has 4500 miles on it and is making a faint ticking noise. He called the local dealer and asked them about it and they said that the lifters just may need to be adjusted. Is this very hard to do? (he's used to working on things, just never a Harley)Any info you could give would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Answer
Rose, did he talk to a salesman instead of a mechanic at the dealer?  1996 sportster has hydraulic lifters with no adjustment, unless someone changed them for solids.  So if one is overly loud it needs a new lifter not an adjustment.  They all get louder as miles are added on.  Most common to go first is the rear exhaust because of the angle between the pushrod and the lifter.  Also, if it is a lifter problem the noise is usually louder when the bike is hot and can be pinpointed with a stethoscope.  Good luck.