The irritating noise that we share is a belt problem. I had mine adjusted one full turn (left....loosened) on the rear and it is almost gone. I am going to have to take it another 1/2 turn and try again. Don´t want it too loose, but even with the full turn, it is much tighter than other belt driven bikes I have compared it to. I have checked the tension on Kawasaki (900s and 2000s) and you can play a banjo tune on them. Harley´s do not have their bikes with belts like that. I have checked several of theirs and they are much looser. I know we aren´t talking Harley here, but dog gone it, the Kaw belts are shipped just too tight. Something has to give, hopefully it won´t be a bearing or something. Hope this helps. Noise is prevalent mostly on de-acceleration. Will write again after second adjustment.