So of I blat on the 600ss and first thing I notice is the lack of power but it's not a problem as it's only a baby but as i use it more it becomes more fun as the brakes are redundant and the handling is great so no worries then. Only one problem is occasionally there is a knock from under the bottom yoke when going over some bumps it sounds like the mudguard as it is not metallic checked everything and all is tight no marks anywhere to indicate anything fouling and the head bearings are nice and tight sounds like it may be in the forks ie a damper knocking anyone had similar experience ?
1) How far are the forks through the top yoke? Any more than four rings and you could get a clonk from the mudguard. 2) Whip the mudguard off and have a look at the underside of the trailing edge........scuff marks from the tyre? The mudguards can sag over a period of time and that can cause the trailing edge to catch the tyre slightly.....I have a cure for the saggy mudguard.........I would need to see a head-on photo to know. 3) You don't appear to have a speedo cable stay / guide bolted to the top caliper bolt........without it (and with it, sometimes) the cable can clout the mudguard or the fairing.........have a look at photos of the SSs so you can see what you need and then make one. 4) Look at the top of the mudguard where it is under the bottom yoke...any marks? If so, the forks may be a bit saggy and are reaching full travel...........Put a cable tie (not too tight) around the chrome fork stanchion, pull it up to the dust seal, then go for a ride...........How far down the stanchion is the tie? (or how far from the bottom)? 5) Another way to check is lift the front of the bike as high as it will go while you are togged up and straddling it and get someone to slide the tie right up to the dust seal, then sit on the bike with your feet on the pegs....measure the distance from the dust seal to the tie........should be about 26mm - 28mm......IE Static sag. 6) Steering head bearings shouldn't be too tight otherwise you could get 'weave'........How do you know they are OK? Did you jack the front up clear of the ground and check?.......Common problem, head bearings not properly maintained or adjusted. AL
4 1/2 rings showing the head bearings are fine as I have adjusted them because they knocked under braking and there was fore and aft movement when checked , I will check the cable etc and mudguard edges and report back , I am quite happy to adjust and check things on the bike as I have some experience of mechanics so I will have a check through your recommendations and thanks for you great reply
as above plus sometimes brake pads can jostle in their caliper housings (obviously not while braking) while going over bumps but more of a rattle than a knock.
I recon Al is right it's the front brake hose hitting the fairing. It's not the front ride height mine has 5 rings showing. You are right they do lack a bit of power but approach it as a nippy 400 cc sports bike and thrash it everywhere they end up getting under your skin. My only criticism is the lack of twin front disks and no 6th gear.
I reckon your on the money there lads will knock one up out of my old Meccano set asap thanks for the pic very helpful
Catching on the tyre tread and pinging off??.............just what mine did..... Two ways to deal with it...........either get some risers machined, but they only really work well with Showa forks; or get the mudguard back into shape...... I've done both.......... AL
