I owned a Kawasaki Ninja for over ten years, but this is my first Harley, I rode around town yesterday and about 20 interstate miles, 50 miles total. While riding around I was very aware of a high pitched kind of "chirp" going on, seemed like the front left side mostly. It's a brand new bike, yesterday morning it had a total of 6 miles on it. It rides perfectly otherwise, is this normal? It seems like it would be somewhat distracting during a long trip.

On a side note, it rides sooo much better than a sport bike, it's like driving a Yugo and then a Cadillac.

 

Brake rotor squeal? Mine makes some squeaky noises if I have not ridden in a while, just some oxidation on the rotors that goes away after a few miles.

John

 

If it is the front left side, it's likely the brake pads/rotor making the noise. Unless it sounds real bad, ride it another 100 miles in varying stop/go traffic, it may go away once the pads and rotor (break-in) mate together. If it's the front brake, the sound should change if you apply the brake lightly.

If it persists after that, take it back to the dealer, that's what the warranty is for.

 

Sound travels could be drive belt

 

Happens to my Ultra ... just hit it with some silicone spray.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. It's not real loud nor does it get worse while braking, I'll ride it around some more when the weather breaks again.....

 

I was going to ask about your speedo cable hitting the fender, but I forgot your newer bikes don't have them. Mine does a little at times, but not a chirp.

Maybe your brake line tapping the fender?

John

 

Not specifically worse but does the sound change in any way, shape, or form when you apply the brakes? If so than the brakes may have something to do with it. Is the "chirp" consistent (chirps every sec) or does it vary (chirps three times, five seconds later it starts again)? Lastly, does the chirping increase with speed?

I wouldn't worry about it too much, you probably just need to break in.

 

drive it....if its not gone at 500 miles, take it back and have them look at it...my guess is that its the new brake pads and the sound will go away with a little wear..

 

Hello there i get a chirping sound from my forks when they are moving up/down i get a chirp probably a seal . i have lubed the forks but it continues. push up/down on the front end see it that makes the sound