My 08 has a bit of a ticking noise at higher revs, but have been told by numerous people that it is normal on sportsters. And plenty of other sportys are making the same noise.
Ouch Bubbie, a "Thrashing machine" is a bit harsh, something more agricultural like a tractor would be a bit "nicer"...think...eh one potato - two potato at a time maybe?:s
I had a Honda VFR that I rode around on and when I hopped on my sportster it sounded like I was on a tractor compared to the Honda. Have you listed to the tranny on the sportster when you shift it sure dosen't sound like the metrics.