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It doesn't make the sound until the motor starts running. Turning the ignition on doesn't produce the noise. When I first turn the key, there's a loud electrical noise, which I assume is the fuel pump, but it only lasts a second or two. That's not the hum that seemed strange to me.
So, no possibility that it hums because it doesn't know the words? I've done that before.
I assume it's electric. It's the stock petcock. It's automatic.
2. Are there any tricks to cleaning it? I figured I would just take it out and hit it with whatever solvents I had handy.
It depends on the hum.The external fuel pump was noisy. That's one reason they made it internal. BUT -- if your hum is abnormal and the pump isn't vibrating on something, cleaning the petcock filter, changing the fuel filter, and reversing the pump for a few seconds (reverse power leads), with the now-upstream-spigot connected to a container of fuel (you can use a bit of hose and just stick it in the fuel) will clear blockages.Also, if an electric petcock, check the valve. A restricted or faulty valve will make the pump noisy.Finally -- there are other reasons a bike might 'hum'. That's why I said "it depends". For example, I had a voltage regulator 'hum' before failing.
Then it is not related to the pump.When you turn on the key, the fuel pump runs for a couple of seconds. You are saying that noise is NOT the hum. So it is NOT the fuel pump.Move on.Maybe the exhaust is resting against the frame. Look at the left exhaust down by the sidestand bracket. That point often touches the frame and can buzz.Maybe there is a problem with the cam chain tensioner.Maybe you got something up in the alternator.
When my 2001 California was new, I brought it to the dealer for service, when I got it back I noticed a hum when she idled, but it ran good? I called the dealer and he had no answers? eventually the bike died on a road trip The verdict was the electronic fuel petcock wires were off and the fuel pump pressure forced the fuel through the restricted petcock until pump burned up! that is the way it was explained to me!