Just noticed that there's a knocking from the forks or head bearings when pushes the bike forards/ backwards with front brake on. I've checked that the head bearing load nut is tight, but don't have the correct tool to check torque properly. Everything looks OK, and it's not noticeable when riding, although the bike seems to push wide under throttle, but that's more down to me I think. Anyone had this on their's before? What should I be checking???
Not really a good method of checking the bearings . Could be the seals making the noise or the brake pads moving a bit .
Cheers for the replies - I can feel the clunk in the bars (it's more pronounced when pulling back on the bars with the brake on) but not significant movement. Seals seem intact - no leaks.
Anyone got a good handle on suspension setup willing to help me check this out in Berkshire/ Surrey area? The rebound seems a little harsh, and sometimes it feels like it's wallowing... I'll try checking the default settings in the user manual 1st... not sure about messing with the rear stabiliser though...
Just sounds like brake pads clonking in the calipers....as they do normally........ However, I wouldn't be torqueing a steering head nut...... ........Not unless the wrench will indicate -0.5 Nm..... Steering head bearings shouldn't be tight / compressed otherwise they can induce a weave...... .......you can easily overtighten them with your fingers.
if you've ruled out the pads clonking as AL says then there is a good chance it is the head bearings as the cheaper OEM bearings get noisy with age yet will still pass an MOT.
Had another look today. I think it's the fork inner legs knocking in the bushes. Thinking about getting the forks out for look next - anyone rebuilt these Showa forks before?
Get the front wheel out and give the forks at the bottom a push backwards and forwards to confirm your thoughts??? If they are the same as mine, I know how to rebuild them, but in the end, I had mine done by MCT in Stowmarket because I found some t*t had messed with the valving.... I think the guide and slider bushes came from K-Tech........
Thanks Arquebus, I'll have a go at the weekend. Rebuild a DIY job? any special tools needed? Also, I don't have a frame or centre stand, so I'm planning on supporting the bike with rear stand and axle stand/ wood under the sump, should be OK right?
If your Showas are the same as wot came from an earlier 900SS (like wot mine are) they aren't the easiest to do........and depending on which tools you have to do it, you might need another pair of hands.... .........If I can find them, I can post some documents which show how some Showas are done, but they may not be the same models......perhaps try a Google search. You can support your bike as you say, but I think your bike can use the homemade front stand as well....... Post No.9 Arquebus-I want to build your front paddock stand! | Ducati Forum If the Showas are similar and the slider and guide bushes are worn, they can be an absolute b*****d to get apart as one bush can try to get under the other, which jams the stanchion. You will also need a fork seal driver..........or invent one. I made my own spring compressor so I could do the job one handed..........plus a slotted plate to get the valve lock nut undone............ .......however, they were a pig to get apart, and having done so, I found that the valving had been messed with, so I gave up and got a specialist to deal with them.....
