Is whistle normal at idle?

[CWCobra]

I bought a new-to-me 2009 R3T last week...had 2300 miles on it. In last 7 days, I've added 500 or so more miles, and the more I ride it, the more noticeable the whistling sound at idle.

Is this typical of the model, or something to worry about? As soon as I get time, I'm pulling the air filter to see if maybe it's to blame. Seems to be getting louder, tho'.

CW

 

[HellFire]

My water pump makes a noise at low idle, but haven't noticed any air whistles. Maybe you can narrow it down.

 

[RKTNMYPKT]

I have 20,000 miles on my 08 R3T and have not noticed any sounds that even resemble a whistle. It certainly isn't typical. can you tell where its originating from? what does the previous owner have to say?

 

[tdragger]

Can you let it idle and do a walk-around and try to narrow down the area where the whistle sound is coming from?

 

[warp9.9]

sounds like it might have a vacuum leak has there been any modifications to the filter system like triple filters under the bear claw? If you got it from a good dealer ask them to take it for a spin and listen to it. You mighthave to jump on th eback withthe tech to help him hear what your hearing.

 

[Gothlander]

You can get a length of hose about 3 foot long and use it as a stethoscope to find the source of the whistle.

 

[rayjay]

Hi Cobra
I have a 2009 standard and i kinda understand what your saying..mine has a high pitched sound at idle..always has. This is really difficult to describe..but it's more like
a whine than a whistle..what most people would describe as a sewing machine.
I think it's just the nature of the beast and how it's set up for emissions and noise
control regulations..mind you she does make some intresting sounds when you start
her up..all part of the character of this unique motorcycle that we all adore.
I personally don't think that you have anything to worry about and i guess that someone with more knowledge than me will chime in soon

Ray

 

[Gothlander]

Hi Cobra
I have a 2009 standard and i kinda understand what your saying..mine has a high pitched sound at idle..always has. This is really difficult to describe..but it's more like
a whine than a whistle..what most people would describe as a sewing machine.
I think it's just the nature of the beast and how it's set up for emissions and noise
control regulations..mind you she does make some intresting sounds when you start
her up..all part of the character of this unique motorcycle that we all adore.
I personally don't think that you have anything to worry about and i guess that someone with more knowledge than me will chime in soon

Ray

Ding ding, did someone call............ that whine is the straight cut gear on the back of the clutch basket driven by the crank gear.

 

[rayjay]

Ding ding, did someone call............ that whine is the straight cut gear on the back of the clutch basket driven by the crank gear.

Thanks Gothlander
That explains the whine that i have
I wonder if this is what Cobra is hearing..a whine or a whistle can sound simular

Ray

 

[Gothlander]

They can sound similar, another thing is maybe part of the intake plumbing has not been fitted properly.