Motorcycle Repair: harley evo 1340, harley evo, valve job

Question
Dear Mike,
The bike really never did run right(I purchased it anyway because I felt it was a good deal)I had a friend who attended AMI of daytona. They were going to service the bike.When it was returned it was knocking badly. Another buddy recognized the sound immediately and proceded to adjust one of the push rods with his fingers . The knocking stopped. Do you think i need a valve job and would that cause the vibration at higher rpm's. Also after further inspection it seems only the front cylinder blows white smoke. After riding the bike I really smell like exhaust(my wife says I smell like the road). The bike does idle well and starts easily, on rare occasions it does backfire. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. SINCERLY BEN

Answer
Without knowing what has been done to the motor before you got it its hard to say, but with the vibration it could be your flywheels are not in balance.
If you are blowing white smoke then its time for a valve job and maybe even pistons.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike