Unnerving Front End Chirp/Chatter-- UPDATED DESCRIPTION

[Valkorado]

Not a mechanic, but will attempt to explain symptoms.  Last several days I've been noticing a front end chirp. Maybe due to road noise I'm only hearing it at Boulevard speeds when engine is barely pulling and I'm just kinda coasting along at say 35.  Seems to lessen if I apply a little throttle or drop into 4th.  Sounds like the front end somewhere, but I had new Honda front pads installed before Inzane, and Big BF installed new front bearings at Inzane.  DOT fluids are good.  Seems to come and go, not always noticing it but more so these last few days.  Any suggestions or ideas?

[Michvalk]

Look to see if the rubber sound damper is falling off from the inside of the fender. They come loose, and rub on the tire as it goes around.

[Bighead]

If they have there will be a Shiney spot on the tire where it is rubbing so you don't have to remove the tire to know.

[Valkorado]

Those are both well glued.  I'll try to narrow it down, sounds like the buzz bolt may be buzzing some too.

[Tailgate Tommy]

Sometimes you can wet down (with water) sections of the bike to see if the chirp goes away. Maybe worth a try, and you can get your bike clean a section at a time 
Tom

[Valkorado]

Still trying to figure this out, went out today.  

Seems the reason I was hearing the noise at slow speeds is when I either let off the throttle completely at low speeds (or twist it up all the way) I start hearing the chatter.  If I stay off the throttle (like riding Down Main Street at 25) the chirp is a constant chatter, but if I drop a gear or two and give just a little throttle it stops making the noise.

When I'm at highway speeds I don't notice it at all  EXCEPT if I let off the throttle (let go) I hear one audible chirp.

I don't hear the chirp at all when at idle, whether in gear or neutral.

[BigBF]

I'm guessing.... You may hear vacuum chripping? Maybe vacuum leak from cap or oring intake tube???
But chatter sound? Maybe the bottom of radiator on left side as you can see thread mount with radiator, try add 6mm flange nut?

[Valkorado]

I'm guessing.... You may hear vacuum chripping? Maybe vacuum leak from cap or oring intake tube???
But chatter sound? Maybe the bottom of radiator on left side as you can see thread mount with radiator, try add 6mm flange nut?

Thanks Bill.  I did change out my left side caps with BonS' super duper ones, was a b#%ch doing so, pretty tight in there.  Had to take off Kury spark plug cover and still tight.  Will change out right ones soon. Tightened the header bolts too.  I do have a tick noise also but this noise is different.  Bike runs like a champ otherwise.

[BigBF]

I'm guessing.... You may hear vacuum chripping? Maybe vacuum leak from cap or oring intake tube???
But chatter sound? Maybe the bottom of radiator on left side as you can see thread mount with radiator, try add 6mm flange nut?

Thanks Bill.  I did change out my left side caps with BonS' super duper ones, was a b#%ch doing so, pretty tight in there.  Had to take off Kury spark plug cover and still tight.  Will change out right ones soon. Tightened the header bolts too.  I do have a tick noise also but this noise is different.  Bike runs like a champ otherwise.

Tick? Valve noise?
Left side timing belt tension pulley?
Speedometer gear box?
Speedo cable?
I'm just guessing...

[John Schmidt]

I might think about jacking the front up and spinning the wheel. Wouldn't be the first time someone got a bad bearing, had it myself some years back. Looked at everything else first thinking it can't be a bearing since I just replaced it. Finally gave in and raised the front wheel. Sure enough, one side was a bit rough and would sound off ever so slightly at times. Just a thought.

[Jess from VA]

Your description could be the buzz bolt.  Mine didn't buzz, it rattled and was rpm/speed specific.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/buzz.htm

[Valkorado]

Thanks fellers, now my head's spinning.  I did muscle the buzz bolt as hard as I could, actually got some movement on both sides but that didn't do it.  Found this article on belt and tensioner changing

http://www.motoringassist.com/motoring-advice/car-maintenance/engine-and-transmission/guide-servicing-timing-belt-replacement/

The article sure supports belt replacement on our aged bikes and makes me want to do it as soon as possible.

A quote:

"Most car manufacturers specify time and mileage intervals but these stipulations are for whatever arrives first. If your car is ten years-old but has only covered 10,000 miles and the manufacturer's interval is 10-years or 100,000 miles, do not try to eke out the belt's life further, because the belt deteriorates with the passing of time."

Hmmm.  My bike is 19 years this October, and 50,000 miles (my 35,000 in the last 3 summers).  Plus, I'm hearing weird noises from the front.  No more ekeing!

[Novavalker]

I had a chirping noise from the U joint just before it gave out. Do you feel more than usual vibration in the foot pegs?

[R J]

Chirping at idle now.  Crawled around on my knees, it sounds like the chirp may be coming from around the alternator.  Battery Bug says alternator is putting out 14.2 - 14.3.  Could it be alternator bearing?  Just trying to figure this out before an upcoming ride.

Get a piece of small hose.    Put it on the alternator & to your ear like a stethoscope and see if the noise is coming from the alternator.

If so, replace it or have that one rebuilt.

If not, then trace around until you find the source of the noise.

[BigBF]

Chirping at idle now.  Crawled around on my knees, it sounds like the chirp may be coming from around the alternator.  Battery Bug says alternator is putting out 14.2 - 14.3.  Could it be alternator bearing?  Just trying to figure this out before an upcoming ride.

Alternator? Humm chriping sound more likely its vacuum maybe it's petcock vacuum leaks? It's right above from the alternator?

[Valkorado]

Chirping at idle now.  Crawled around on my knees, it sounds like the chirp may be coming from around the alternator.  Battery Bug says alternator is putting out 14.2 - 14.3.  Could it be alternator bearing?  Just trying to figure this out before an upcoming ride.

Alternator? Humm chriping sound more likely its vacuum maybe it's petcock vacuum leaks? It's right above from the alternator?

I think you may be on to something there.  My bike has that spider looking setup with six tubes coming out of it (three on each side) just above the alternator.  Can I just pick up replacement tubing at Napa?  What type/size do I need?

[BigBF]

Chirping at idle now.  Crawled around on my knees, it sounds like the chirp may be coming from around the alternator.  Battery Bug says alternator is putting out 14.2 - 14.3.  Could it be alternator bearing?  Just trying to figure this out before an upcoming ride.

Alternator? Humm chriping sound more likely its vacuum maybe it's petcock vacuum leaks? It's right above from the alternator?

I think you may be on to something there.  My bike has that spider looking setup with six tubes coming out of it (three on each side) just above the alternator.  Can I just pick up replacement tubing at Napa?  What type/size do I need?

If it is 6 tubes goes into one that's fuel drain tube but hell with that I just get rid of it. Never use for fuel to drain... If need to then just have 2-3 feet long hose and plug in fuel bowl and drain it each bowl to get gas out or whatever but those hoses is just ugly looks. I like empty under carb.
Those hoses don't make noise.... Only vacuum hose is #3 #4 and #6 and vacuum cap on #1 #2 #5

[Valkorado]

Chirping at idle now.  Crawled around on my knees, it sounds like the chirp may be coming from around the alternator.  Battery Bug says alternator is putting out 14.2 - 14.3.  Could it be alternator bearing?  Just trying to figure this out before an upcoming ride.

Alternator? Humm chriping sound more likely its vacuum maybe it's petcock vacuum leaks? It's right above from the alternator?

I think you may be on to something there.  My bike has that spider looking setup with six tubes coming out of it (three on each side) just above the alternator.  Can I just pick up replacement tubing at Napa?  What type/size do I need?

If it is 6 tubes goes into one that's fuel drain tube but hell with that I just get rid of it. Never use for fuel to drain... If need to then just have 2-3 feet long hose and plug in fuel bowl and drain it each bowl to get gas out or whatever but those hoses is just ugly looks. I like empty under carb.

THANKS!!!

Edit: I saw where you mentioned those spider (drain) tubes won't make any noise.  My bike was desmogged, so I guess I need to focus on the petcock vacuum tubing.  Thanks for the replies everyone, looks like we're narrowing this down.  

Another edit (didn't want to bump) - noticed gas smell yesterday, especially when I was really getting on it.  No visible leaks anywhere.

[R J]

Yes, you can get a replacement hose from NAPA.

If they have the neoprene stuff get it, lasts longer.

As far as size, cut a very small piece off of an excisting line and get that size, DO NOT add any length to any line.

This Phat Gurhl does not have a fuel pump, it is all gravity.  If you add any length, you can create a droop in the line and a loss of gas movement doing the added length.

On MGM while I had him, I added a different brand petcock and a electric fuel shutoff.    Fuel shutoff was a Dan Marc.  Key had to be on for it to let gas flow.    Petcock added was a manual Pingle.     Son has added about 5K since he bought it and hasn't encountered any problems what so ever on the fuel line.   We added an extra switch on the Dan Marc, so in case it is stolen, they won't get far.     This switch has to be activated to get gas to the carbs.

He has forgot a couple of times and ran out of gas.     Actually when it sputters he knows what he did and pops the switch real quick and it comes right out of the stumble for fuel.