Was riding in town today and noticed a distinct chirp in the rear wheel area when I closed the throttle without pulling in the clutch. Happened in both 1st and second gear at slow speeds. Riding about 2,000rpm, released the throttle, and heard the chirp very clearly from the left saddlebag area.

My initial thought was tire chirping but I think it may be the belt becuase I was hearing it on the left side. Bike has 6,500 miles and 1,500 miles on this service. Road surface was blacktop city street (not perfectly smooth).

Anyone seen anything like this? Plan to put her up on the jack once she cools and see if it chirps when i spin the wheel in first gear with engine off and on.

 

Check your belt tension, Its loose.

 

yup and quite common, esp on lowered bikes.

when you decel, the slack in the belt comes around and slaps the area just above the front pulley, chirp or zing

Mike

 

Also, check the rubber bushings on the exhaust hangers. As a test spray some lube on them and if they are the problem you can replace them for a couple of bucks or sometimes just switching them around will work.

 

I have had the same problem in the past and it has always been a loose belt.

 

Thanks for the quick responses! I'll check the belt tension in the morning.