Bike is a 98 with a little over 7k miles, been riding it since mid-March or so.

I tried searching, but I guess I'm not exactly sure what I'm searching for and can't seem to find any answers... so sorry if I'm duplicating here.

1. I did find this is another post, but not really any good answers. When the bike is in neutral and the clutch is in it sounds fine. When I let the clutch out, still in neutral, I get a growly, rattly, vibration sound. When I'm sitting on the bike it sounds like it's on the right side. Any idea what this could be?

2. When I'm taking off, up until about 25-35 mph, I'm getting a weird squeak. It doesn't seem to matter what gear I'm in, it's not the brakes. When I'm riding it sounds like it's just under the handlebars, like in the front wheel somewhere. My boyfriend riding with me thought it was somewhere in the back. He took it for a ride and thinks maybe it's the chain around the front sprocket. I can hear it in my head, but hard to explain. Does that sound possible?

3. Rear brake squeaks, but I'm pretty sure I can figure that one out.

4. Somewhere between 4k and 5k I get a hollow rattle sound. I know that the shield rattles and I know there's some posts on that, so I'm gonna check that out, too, and hopefully that's what it is. It doesn't do it constantly, which is why I think it might be just vibration in the shield, but maybe someone else has the same problem?

I learned how to change the oil (did it mostly myself, will do it ALL myself next time), but beyond that I have no idea what's going on in there. I'm not mechanically inclined at all, trying to learn, so take it easy on me if these are silly questions.

Thanks for the help.

 

1. Rattle is prolly the cam chain tensioner. Common problem with these bikes. Get a manual one off ebay and there are many posts here that show how to install.

2. Clean the chain ans sprockets throughly, and then re-lube and test ride. See if that makes a difference.

3. $20 rear pads. Done.

4. I bet the rattle in the shield is the two black trim pieces on the inside of the windshield. Squeeze them together when you are riding and see if that stops the squeaking. Try putting something behind it, maybe a piece of a rag and tighten the screws.

Oil is easy, hardest part is trying not to get oil on the exhaust. Sucks when it does and you have to smell it burning off... Good luck with everything and let me know if anything works!!

 

The clutch noise is probably the clutch basket (noise goes away with clutch lever pulled in?)
It's a noise they all make

 

Rattle on right side is where the cam chain tensioner is. That's prolly the culprit for the noise.