Engine Chirp At Idle
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Stage III
Joined: Mar 2025
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From: Land O Lakes, Fl.
Engine Chirp At Idle
My 2015 FLHTKSE chirps after warm up and at idle and it is very annoying. I have seen plenty of posts that offer determinations of fixes, but I have not seen any that really discuss what may be happening inside the engine casing. This only happens at idle and never when revved. I will check all the other areas of the bike that other feel may be the culprit, but I am certain the bike has a serious engine issue. Mileage is 86,550. AJ
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 2,245
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From: West Coast
I had a chirp on my 14 SGS at idle and while on really bad roads or a hard stop, it was the upper engine mount, the one that holds the had to the frame. It wore out. Repalced it and no more chirp. Perhaps pull yours and see if it chirps.
Last edited by Taxgod4u; Aug 30, 2025 at 10:29 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2023
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From: Idaho
Last edited by Road Slug; Aug 30, 2025 at 11:07 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
Can't say for sure, I suspect the isolating cushion within the joint is rubber rather than neoprene. Oil on rubber is a bad idea, silicone would cause less deterioration over time.
The cushions that support the back end of the mufflers are prone to chirp as they wear. Sound reflects off a fairing and windshield making stray noises difficult to locate. When the exhaust system is cool, push and pull the back end of the mufflers left and right, up and down and see if the chirp repeats. Exhaust system clamps, the full length of the system and heat shield clamps are also prone to chirp. Closely check the exhaust system from front to back for being close to the frame, foot boards, or any other component. There might be a corresponding satin wear mark where there is rubbing. Other components cushioned with grommets are also good candidates. I had one that took a couple of years to find, one of the bolts holding the cover over the swing arm bushings had loosened slightly and would chirp intermittently. Retorquing to spec. cured the problem. Almost anything can chirp, front fender mounting bolts, crash bar mounting bolts, saddle bag grommets and support cushions. Anything that isn't welded can chirp. Good luck.
The cushions that support the back end of the mufflers are prone to chirp as they wear. Sound reflects off a fairing and windshield making stray noises difficult to locate. When the exhaust system is cool, push and pull the back end of the mufflers left and right, up and down and see if the chirp repeats. Exhaust system clamps, the full length of the system and heat shield clamps are also prone to chirp. Closely check the exhaust system from front to back for being close to the frame, foot boards, or any other component. There might be a corresponding satin wear mark where there is rubbing. Other components cushioned with grommets are also good candidates. I had one that took a couple of years to find, one of the bolts holding the cover over the swing arm bushings had loosened slightly and would chirp intermittently. Retorquing to spec. cured the problem. Almost anything can chirp, front fender mounting bolts, crash bar mounting bolts, saddle bag grommets and support cushions. Anything that isn't welded can chirp. Good luck.
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