Think I may have a little wear on something. I noticed when I first start riding my bike and I let off the throttle when the bike is slowing down there is a chirping. When I pull in the clutch the chirping goes away. Once I ride a couple of miles the chirping goes away completely. It is only before the bike is really warmed up. This is my first harley and I haven't experienced this with my other bikes. Is this indicative of wear or is this normal for a Harley?

 

don't want to jump to conclusions, but sounds like maybe a head gasket leak?

 

...if it sounds like a weird noise to you, it's probably indicative of a problem.
Lots of people have posted that a dealer will tell them "They all do that." if they bring their new bike in for a look see at a strange noise or leak.
And your motorcycle is a 1996?
If i had to guess, it sounds like it may need new clutch plates. Or it could just need a simple adjustment.
Either take it to a dealer or buy a service manual and see how to check it out yourself.
Good luck.

GSF

 

The bike is a 1994. I have the service manual. Will check it. Thanks.

 

It could be your pipes. Mine does it to. finaly figured out that it was my exhaust. It won't do it all the time. Mine have been on since I bought my bike in June of 2011, they seem to be "chirpping" less than they did when they were new. I can go for a month without a sound, then it will chirp a little, might not do it again for a week or a day or an hour......Who knows.

 

Even though the chirping goes away when you pull the clutch in, I'd be looking at the belt first. Run some candle wax or some anti seize lightly on the outer edge, ( left side of the belt,) and see if there's a difference afterwards.

Mine started that exact pattern of chirping at almost 80,000 miles and I had to treat the squeak every few thousand miles thereafter. It finally snapped last month at 119,960 miles.

 

Diagnosing phunny noises over an internet forum is a biatch. However, I'm going with exhaust pipe mounting. When it's making the noise, stick your boot on an exhaust pipe and see if it changes. Could also be motor mount or something else rubbing.

 

Ditto Dr.Hess
Try to determin what , when , where , and how .
Funny noises are just that until you can pin point and describe as best as possible.
Include as much info. as you can .

 

Can you tell what area of the bike the noise comes from?

 

could be a belt noise. might be a throw out bearing.