Noticed an annoying/worrying clunk from the front of my bike. Only shows when pull the handlebars/clip ons sharply upwards, pushing down is ok. I've checked everything is tight and free of any play and can't see anything, or anything fouling. Any suggestions what it could be or what to look for...? Thanks
Could be something broken, bearing race etc... drop your yokes out & check, a regrease wouldnt go amiss anyways?
Have you checked the clip ons themselves and the mounting brackets? They have been known to crack, although never seen it myself. +1 on the yokes/bearings also.
as The Hammer says, i've had the same when the clip-on flexes slightly due to a previous tweak when bike dropped or because the bolts aren't quite tight enough. Try pulling up more on left then repeat on right to see if you can isolate it more. when you say a 'clunk' can you hear it or only feel it?
Sounds like sterring head bearings to me......but....... .......if I do it with mine, I get a slight clunk from the brake pads in the calipers..... ......and I used to get it from my mudguard hitting the speedo cable...... ......a clapped out wheel bearing will also give you noises, but check the axle is all nice and tight... ...I also got a similar clunk from front suspension legs (worn guides)..... ......but (and I note nobody wanted to panic you).....have a good look at the top frame tubes where they join the headstock.....mainly underneath.... AL.
Pulled on each clip on one at a time and no difference. Can't feel a clunk just hear it, almost as if the fork(s) are sticking then make a noise as released...???
so can rule out the clip-ons and if it was steering head bearings I think it would affect bike while riding if it was bad enough to 'clunk'. Sounding more like the forks, might help if you get someone to do the up and down movement while you listen and even hold the forks and calipers as (as AL has said) the pads can make a similar noise when they are a loose fit in caliper body.
Thanks Chris - I'll get my bro around. I can't actually feel any movement or restrictions, so I guess it's safe. Only 10k miles, I would expect the bearings still to be ok. May even drop the callipers just to rule out the pad suggestion. Could have been like it for ages, only notices it t'other day while moving the beastie about.
Nelson I have had a very slight 'Clunk;' for want of a better description, on my 749s. I only notice it when I'm pushing the bike with the engine off, and apart from the noise doesn't effect the steering/handling at all. I have had both calipers off to eliminate them as the possible source of the noise. I have asked the dealer about the noise when the bike was being serviced and was informed that some do it , some don't and not to worry about it. That was 10k miles ago now and I only notice it when the engine is off so I have got used to it being like this
Defo not the callipers, had 'em both off and still clunking. Brian, are the showas prone to doing this? If it is bearings can they simply be adjusted/tightened as a first attempt? Cheers
Hi ya Nelson, my 749 used to do that and i stripped it all down and couldnt find anything wrong, i think it was Nog who suggested it could be fork internals, but speaking to other 749 owners they all said theres did it aswell, dont think its anything to worry about mate, i know yours isnt a 749 but it does seem pretty common.
I'm in tue process of finding out what my 749 clunk is, although I think mine is either the wheel bearing, head bearings or fork bushes. I've bought some Hello Kitty forks just in case it is the bushes.
Thanks chaps, I'm not convinced it's the head bearings as when I hold the front brake on and pull back and forth there's no noise. Only shows its self when you pull up sharply on the headstock or clip ons. Starting to sound like the fork internals and as if "they all do that sir"... Or I need a pussy box....
Nelson it is a common feature on Showa forks, and is most likely the slider within the fork tube. I had the same thing and thought it was the head bearings, discs moving on the bobbins and a few other things. If you get a stethoscope you can hear it better, it usually comes from the area inside the stanchion just below the bottom yoke
Good tip from 'Doctor Denzil' Thinking that a stethoscope would be expensive I had a look and found this one: Double Dual Headed Stethoscope: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics A good investment methinks!
Thanks Denz... I did try using a long screw driver wedged in my lug 'ole and pushed against the fork. It's not easy!
Nelson if you see or hear an 02 748S around (with pleasantly loud JHP Ti cans) wave and I will help you find it. First thing is to get the wheel off the ground with a jack under the engine and a paddock stand to make sure its not your head bearings.
