Motorcycle Repair: odd noises I hear on my 99 Indian Chief, swingarm bearings, rear shocks

Question
Howdy Mike,

I have a 1999 Indian Chief that rides great, but when I go over bumps there is a squeaking noise like a bird chirping, but it does not happen all the time.  Sometimes it sounds like it comes from the back and sometimes from the front. I have tried to notice if it happens when it is cold or hot, and it seems like it does not matter.  I know that one of the checks for the 10K inspection is the front forks, I have 7100 miles on my bike.  I can sit on my bike in my garage and move up and down on my bike and there is no squeak.  Any ideas?

Thanks for your time,

Jerry

Answer
Odds noises are hard to tell on here cause I cant hear them!
I would start by checking the swingarm bearings. They might be dry. Dont think the noise is coming from the forks. I have never heard them squeek. Next check the rear shocks. You might have picked up a noise there. Other than that I would let it go and see if it gets worse or get to the point where you can get it to squeek when you bounce up and down on the bike.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike