Seems to be slight scraping sound from front brakes when riding and noise increases dramatically when applying front brake lever on 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1100 with 5500 miles.

A grinding or rumbling noise can also be symptoms of a wheel bearing or constant velocity joint in a driveshaft. A worn wheel bearing can also cause a 'whistling' sound (as can a worn CV joint).

A grinding noise with brakes is either worn pads causing metal to metal contact on the brake disk/rotor, or the brake backing plate catching on a spinning rotor ... or a loose/missing anti squeal brake shim (they stop the pads from rattling and vibrating).

However, as you say a mechanic has looked at the brakes and can't find anything wrong .. I think I would begin to suspect a wheel bearing or constant velocity joint on the driveshaft (front wheel drive cars).

A scraping sound is more likely to be worn brake pads. The sound is an indication that very soon, there will be metal shoe to disc / drum contact. When this happens, the cost of the brake work can increase substantially. The parking brake makes use of the rear brake disk / drum and can also be the source for this noise.

Have the brakes inspected at once to lower the cost of the work if warranted. The stopping distance will increase slightly if the rear brakes have work out (the vast majority of braking needed to stop a vehicle is performed by the front brakes). The parking brake my not "hold" the vehicle if worn out.

It is also possible that while inspectimng the brakes that the service provider may be able to tell you the problem (if not brakes) during a road test or inspection.

I hope this helps & good luck!

OK.... The problem is your brake lever. There is nothing wrong with your braking system, Master Cylinder is fine, pads are fine, fluid is fine, everything is fine. Replace that brake lever with the original one your took off, if not, it will cost you your life. I know I was almost killed due to the wrong brake lever. Everything on the new lever looks right. Right? Same, pin hole size, the plunger seems to fit perfect, the brake light switch flange, it fits, appears to work fine, doesn't bind.. Then wham!! You lock up. DO NOT RIDE WITH THAT NEW LEVER ON.. No matter how expensive it was. Live with the Stock one until you can be sure that the next one you buy is absolutely and irrevically safe to ride with. This MOD is not worth your life. FYI, my lock up occurred in the dark, US 101, lane three, 80mph. 80mph to 0mph in 1 second flat. Bike did not flip just came to a massive stop. I will spare you the "Most frightening 2 minutes of my life". I have 26 years of riding experience, and one stupid mod nearly took my life, and my bike, and more importantly, could have taken someone else's life, or scarred them for life had they hit me... Just saying'.
Happy safe riding. Phil.

Sounds like it might be the low brake pad indicator. A small flap of metal which is made to scrape the rotor when the brake pads reach a certain low level. When brackes are applied the noise typically quiets.
Check for worn front brake pads.

The brake noise could be the caliper not releasing properly. Make certain it can slide smoothly when you release the brake lever. You may have to replace it if it is causing premature wear on the brake pads. If the pads are wearing evenly it is more of a noise issue than a mechanical problem. I haven't worked on a king but If I remember correct it has two calipers on the front. Check them both.

It is not unusual for a Harley to seem hotter in the summer heat and that can make it idle faster. If it has injection, you might be able to have the dealer reprogram it to allow a richer mixture which will help it run cooler but it will use more fuel and reduce your fuel mileage. If it is carbureted it can be adjusted to a slightly richer mixture.

Hi ,
It sounds like the brake lever maybe the wrong one and it applies pressure on the brakes while riding and heat up the pads . Once the pads cool down you can roll again .
Make sure your lever is the right one

If it sounds like "swish-swish" noise, that is nornal for your bike. HD changed the front brakes in the 90's and the result was better stopping performance but there is that darned swishing sound. Don't worry about it, mate, there's nothing wrong with your bike.

Now, if you start to hear squealing when you pull the lever, take the bike to a shop to have the brakes pads replaced. If you feel vibration when you apply the brakes, take it to a shop immediately and have them check the wheel spokes for tightness.

You can try the bearings but I think if you take off the rear rotors and look at the emergency brakes you'll find the problem. You might want to ride the emergency brake a little in lieu of removing the rotors to confirm the problem. Also some wheel covers make noise-drive without them and see if it helps.

Have your brakes checked. It seems like your brake pads are extremely low.

If it's a scraping sound, when does it happen? If it's when you hit the brakes, then it's likely your rear brake pads/shoes are down to the metal and are scraping. This can happen when you're not hitting the brakes, however. Bad wheel bearings are usually a moaning/roaring sound that increases as road speed increases. Ditto that for differential bearings - if they go out, you usually get a roaring noise that increases the faster you go.