Front End "Chirping"
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Florida and East Tennessee
Front End "Chirping"
I recently bought a used 2005 EGC (pictured below). I like it a lot, but a couple of days ago, I began to notice a "chirping" sound which seems to be coming from somewhere in the front end of the bike.
It seems to happen only at relatively slow speeds and only at certain rpm's. The sound is kind of like a cross between a "chirp" and a "squeal". It's a little like the sound that a fan belt makes on a car.
Anyone have any suggestions where this sound may be coming from and what, if anything, I might do about it?
Thanks.
It seems to happen only at relatively slow speeds and only at certain rpm's. The sound is kind of like a cross between a "chirp" and a "squeal". It's a little like the sound that a fan belt makes on a car.
Anyone have any suggestions where this sound may be coming from and what, if anything, I might do about it?
Thanks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 3
From: Nice home on the NorCal Coast
I may be shooting in the dark but my RK had the same problem after I put new front pads on it.
Found out I had the front brakes adjusted just a tad to tight.
Loosened them up ever so slightly and the chirp went away.
Just a thought,
Krusr
Found out I had the front brakes adjusted just a tad to tight.
Loosened them up ever so slightly and the chirp went away.
Just a thought,
Krusr
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 1
From: Reno, Nevada
I maybe old and very stupid, but could you explain how you adjust disc brakes?
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 214
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From:
Chirping is likely a belt issue as stated above. Squealing on the front end is likely a harmonic vibration coming off the front brake pads, cronic on some models. Test for pad squeal while scoot is moving by applying front brake and noting change of or elimination of sound condition. Remedy for pad squeal is removal, cleaning and spraying with "Disc Brake Quiet" or similar product. Good luck and happy trails...
PS: As far as I know pads are self adjusting.
PS: As far as I know pads are self adjusting.
Last edited by StrongIslander; Nov 29, 2008 at 10:53 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
My money is on the muffler hangars under the saddle bags. Mine started chirping and it took forever to find what it was. The sound travels all over the bike and is hard to locate. It will bounce off your fairing and sound like it's coming from the front.
The mufler hangar allows for the pipe to slide back and forth for vibration and expansion. It will dry out and squeak and chirp like crazy. If you hear it at idle, get off your bike and apply a little pressure to the end of the pipe with your boot. If it stops, you've found it.
The mufler hangar allows for the pipe to slide back and forth for vibration and expansion. It will dry out and squeak and chirp like crazy. If you hear it at idle, get off your bike and apply a little pressure to the end of the pipe with your boot. If it stops, you've found it.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,070
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From: Lafayette, LA.
My RKC did the same thing. It would chirp at low rpm's and then it would quit after a good warm up. It happened to be the front exhaust was slightly loose at the manifold. I tightened the 2 nuts at the manifoldand problem solved.
Last edited by Cajun King; Dec 1, 2008 at 09:26 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: North Central Arkansas
It sounds like you have the same sound that I'm experiencing on the front of my '07 Ultra. It's especially noticeable when you go by tall vegetation on the sides of the road. To me it sounds like a bunch of crickets in the distance. I suspected it was the brake pads also, so I tried applying the front brake just a little and the noise went away. Figured it was another weird Harley anomaly that was "unfixable". I may try the brake pad spray if others have had success with it.
EGK
EGK