I get an unusual and weird noise from the front end of my 2014 FLSTC. It sounds like a wounded duck and only occurs during the first 5 miles or so of riding. It always occurs when I am letting go of the throttle and applying the front brake. It is not a squeal like metal on metal and it does not matter how fast or slow I am going. It sounds like it might be comming from the speedometer area. Any help in identifying this noise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Jon P. in Arizona.

 

Does it have ABS?

 

Raise the bike on an ATV lift and rotate the wheel. It could be your bearings.

 

Yes, It does have ABS. Not bearings as it is not a constant noise. I have wide white walls and I clean them once a month so I am turning the wheel and have never heard the noise.

 

Is there any radial or lateral play in the wheel when it is off the floor?

 

None, it rolls true.

 

Check see to see if the rotar is rubbing the caliper.

 

My thought as well..

 

It could be the ABS unit, I have heard them make some very weird noises,(not just on motorcycles) I would try just using the rear brake and see if you get the noise. Good luck, Ride safe.

 

I have thought of the ABS as the culprit as I used to be a primarily rear brake user. After a rear brake change at only 5k miles I tried to use a bit of both simultaneously. I find I get to the front brake faster almost all the time. I will also look at the caliper/rotor issue as well as I had not thought of that. What makes this a particularly hard fix is it does not happen all the time, or the same factors influencing the noise, and sometimes I can go days without it occurring, then have it happen 3 -4 days in a row. Thanks to all for your comments and I believe one of them will prove to be the answer. Keep it rubber side down and shinny side up.