Noticed this after doing a first ride after having the bike in the backyard for a few days while doing a turn signal relocation. Never noticed this noise before but I took it out this morning and found a grinding noise whenever the suspension compresses.

Was able to replicate the noise exactly, even even with the engine off, while rolling it at a walking pace and pushing down on the seat. Sounds like metal-on-metal.

Took a look inside the springs since most of the electrical work I was doing was centered in that area and maybe I dropped something in there. Couldn’t find anything.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

’99 XLH1200

 

Maybe jack it up and remove the shocks, lift the swingarm up, listen and feel for noise or grinding from the swingarm mounting area.

 

it only makes the noise when the rear suspension is compressed and the wheels are in motion.

engine off, bounced on the seat, actuating swingarm and shocks = no noise
engine off, walking the bike, apply front brake = no noise
engine off, walking the bike, apply rear brake = no noise
engine off, walking the bike, bounce the seat, actuating swingarm and shocks = grinding noise

Does help pin things down at all?

 

Odd, could it be the belt rubbing on the belt guard or front pulley cover?

 

That sounds like the problem, check the belt tension and rear wheel alignment.

 

Is there a way I can test this movement without walking the bike while jumping up and down on it? I don't have a proper motorcycle jack. Just an automotive floor jack :P

 

If you do your own maint, best thing you can do is go to harbor frieght and buy a bike jack. You will need ifor other maint things anyways.

 

Man am I dumb- it was the saddlebag support bolts rubbing on the tire. I must’ve switched them when putting everything back together. The tire sits a little closer to the fender on the right side and I noticed the tire damage from the shorter bolt which i guess didn’t rub enough to make a noise or vibration but still ground the edge of the tire a bit which you can see in the photo. When putting it back together I must’ve swapped the bolts and with one being longer it rubbed even more, spurring my initial post.

I’m glad I’m just dumb and there’s nothing wrong with the bike!

 

Nice, good thing you addressed it before it did any major damage to the tire.