Annoying Chirp
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 680
From: Forest Hill, Md
My bike will "chirp" like you describe if the belt is a bit loose. Check your belt adjustment before you do anything else. MY belt will chirp when chopping the throttle if it's loose, and squeal if it's too tight.
It's worse starting out on a cold morning, as the belt is looser when cold, and tends to tighten as the bike warms up.
It's worse starting out on a cold morning, as the belt is looser when cold, and tends to tighten as the bike warms up.
Just recently dealt with this on my 05 Ultra
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
Someone one on this forum said when aligning the rear wheel, to adjust so that the belt runs in the middle of the rear pulley when turning the wheel forward. This instead of the manual that says to measure the swing arm to axle to align. This has worked well for me, and I have no noise issues with my belt.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 7
You cannot align a vehicle by how the belt runs.
You need to follow the instructions of the people who designed and manufactured the motorcycle.
Belt noises are not addressed by misalignment, but can easily caused by it.
The rear pulley does not have a "centre" position for the belt to run, as it is size matched(as opposed to the front pulley) and is double flanged(again, as opposed to the front pulley).
A belt that is clean, correctly aligned on pulleys that are not overly worn, with the correct tension, will present no particular noise issue.
You need to follow the instructions of the people who designed and manufactured the motorcycle.
Belt noises are not addressed by misalignment, but can easily caused by it.
The rear pulley does not have a "centre" position for the belt to run, as it is size matched(as opposed to the front pulley) and is double flanged(again, as opposed to the front pulley).
A belt that is clean, correctly aligned on pulleys that are not overly worn, with the correct tension, will present no particular noise issue.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
My belt has about a 1/16" clearance on each side between the two flanges. After adjusting it this way I have measured the distance from the swing arm to axle on both sides, and it is within a 1/16". Works great for me.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Badlands - Alberta, Canada
chirps
I to went through all of sqeaky pipe solutions on my Road King. Then, with the pipes hot and wearing a pair of welding gloves I pulled and pushed on the cross over. Ah ha the squeak. While dismantling, discovered the pipe hanger mount, allan head bolts at the engine were loose. (damm stealer had their hands in there a month back) dressed the screws and torgued them down. Problem solved. No issues since, whew very anoying
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RedBeard_BassTard
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
14
Oct 20, 2015 02:47 PM
