Annoying Chirp
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2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6
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Annoying Chirp
I have a 1999 FXSTC (basically still stock) that produces an annoying chirp in the following situations when riding along at 50-60 mph: pull in clutch and release (chirp); release throttle (chirp). However, engage front brake (no chirp). So it doesn't appear to be related to the front suspension. Bike was just serviced and all cables look good. Ideas?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 7
From: North Atlanta Area, GA
I have a 1999 FXSTC (basically still stock) that produces an annoying chirp in the following situations when riding along at 50-60 mph: pull in clutch and release (chirp); release throttle (chirp). However, engage front brake (no chirp). So it doesn't appear to be related to the front suspension. Bike was just serviced and all cables look good. Ideas?
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin, by God!
I'm battling a chirp on my 98 Fatboy as well. There are a lot of threads on the subject. Mine works in the opposite, it only chirps when I throttle up, but, not on decel or letting the clutch out. From what I gather you problem sounds like the drive belt is a little loose. You can do a simple test to check if it is your drive belt by rubbing some soap or parafin wax on the outside edge of the belt. This will quiet it down immediately if it is your belt. Read the threads and try your options. I corrected mine for a while but it's come back, so I think I have to realign the rear end. Good Luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,324
Likes: 3,869
From: Upstate New York
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.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 299
From: New Mexico-No, you don't need a passport.
If you can't clear up the chirp with a good cleaning or a little silicon spray on the belt, you may need to check your transmission drive pulley. Mine had a 1/4" groove worn in it. A new pulley made the chirp go away.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 7
Should cleaning and adjustment not suffice, this,as well as the pulley being loose, is quite reasonable to consider.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2008
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Now that you mention it... I have not noticed my chirp since I replaced the Mikuni with a stock CV carb.