All except what smokeygold posted have been eliminated as the source. As soon as the temps in the garage cool enought, I'll check the round cover on the headlight. I think that's gonna be the answer. I was riding after that post, and now that I listen in that area, I think that's it.

 

got any keys in your pocket?

 

thats sound is money in your pocket, go to the dealer, they can help fix it.

 

I remember I had a sound like that, turned out it was the finned bridges that cover the cam bolts in the spark plug area. If the allen bolts are a little loose it will jingle like that. If you have those finned head bolt covers, you might want to check and make sure their tight. While your at it, check every other bolt on you have for looseness too.

 

if it turns out it is not the headlight cover check both rear blinkers for being loose/rattling. I have one that will just not tighten for sh*t, stud and all turns...sounds like a bell going down the rode.

 

That was my first thought. Mine does it, and I hate it.

 

It could be the side of your drive belt rubbing against the side of the wheel pulley. If you have a big twin it will sound like it's coming from the left rear. If you have a Sportster it will sound like it's coming from the right rear.

 

Hey, I had that same sound.....come to find out it was the windblowing my keys around hanging in the ignition...they were like a wind chime.... =-)

Rev. George.....Chattanooga, Tn

 

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Well, it's not the round cover on the headlight. That thing is so darn tight, I couldn't even get it to pop off. I had already checked all of the other suggestions, except possibly the gas cap, but I don't think that's the source. It sounds like it's from down further on the bike.

It seems that this may have started shortly after I had the bike in the shop for new rocker cover gaskets. I'm sure they had to take the gas tank off to make those repairs. I'm wondering if there is something under the gas tank that is making this noise.

I've been needing to remove the tank anyway to install a little chrome cover thing. I guess I'll check that next. If nothing else, at least I will get the chrome carb cover installed while the gas tank is off. And maybe give the rocker covers a good polishing while I have total access to them.