clunk!! over bumps?

[psycoreefer]

Hey all you have all been really helpfull so far so maybe you can help me with this too....

When I ride, if I hit a sharp, somewhat large bump I can "feel"(kinda hear it to) a clunk. I understand that there is some play in the drive line but it doesn't seem to be throttle related, more suspension. I've checked the rear wheel twice because I just had it off for a new tire and it all looks and feels tight. Also I can't seem to reproduce it by bouncing or shaking the bike when its not moving. Any ideas?

[malber]

I get this too. In the front end. More like a rattle, like the instruments shake, but they don't and they're secured tightly. So are all the other components, headlight etc. Never been able to figure out what it is but nothing's falling off.

[SanDiegoMike]

Check your shocks and forks. Do you notice it more in front or in back? Can you make your forks bottom out by pushing down sharply on your handlebars? What are your rear spring settings? Too low of a setting for your weight could cause you to max out your spring compression. This, combined w/bad shocks could cause what you describe. Remember, shocks are not designed to support vehicle weight like springs...their job is to maintain tire contact with the road surface and stop the spring from oscillating after adjusting to changes in road surface (bumps, potholes, etc.) Hope this helps

[DiverRay]

If you feel it in the front, it can also be the steering head bearings. Check the adjustment, and pull apart and grease if it's been a while.

[psycoreefer]

It seems to be more rear then front, can't feel it in the handle bars but can in the "butt".

I thought that maybe the springs were bottoming also so I checked and one side was two clicks from the firmest, the other was on the softest. Made them both the same at two from the firmest and still get the clunk. Its a naked bike and I'm not a light weight at 250-ish with gear.

I have the shocks at "2" whatever that means, seemed safe cuz its the middle.

I can't bottom the forks, looks like brand new fork seals so I'm guessing they were gone through recently.

Is there a way to "test" the shocks? It felt a little bouncy before I checked the springs, like after a bump the bike would bounce a few times so I guess that would be shocks huh?

Steering head is on the to-do list for this week, as are throttle and clutch cables, and a carb cleaning.

[SanDiegoMike]

I can't remember if the adjustment on the shocks is for damping, rebound, or both...1 being "softest" and 5 being "firmest". If you are able to separate your shocks from your springs, with the adjustment set in the middle range, you should feel resistance when damping (compressing) and a SLOW rebound (extension)...if the shock just slams back to full length after being fully compressed, it's bad.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Psycho,

It sounds like your rear shocks are shot! Mine became that way, and a way I was able to tell was not so much bouncing, but when I would get on the throttle I could feel the rear end rise up due to the driveshaft torque action! Sounds like the shocks are not dampening the action so you are probably reaching the full stretch of the shocks and then hitting the stop, etc.!

A variety of options and $$ ranges. I've been happy with the el cheapo JCW/PNM/MikesXS type, so if your budget is tight, they'll get you on the road. Others recommend the Progressives, but you'll need deeper pockets!
T.C.

[Ken Talbot]

SWMBO's H had a rear end clunk a couple of years ago that turned out to be lack of grease in the splines where the rear wheel is driven by the final drive. Set the bike up on the centrestand and wiggle the rear wheel forward and back while listening for the clunk, maybe even with the transmission in gear (engine not running of course).

[ScottsXS]

check to see if the center stand spring is weak......might be floppin around back there

[psycoreefer]

No center stand on the bike so that can't be it.

When I put the rear wheel on I put some grease in/on the splines. How much is enough? I put what I thought was a good amount on it but I'll check it anyhow.

I'm thinking its shocks now, I've noticed what TC said about the rear rising up when I give it gas, just thought that it was the nature of the beast but I guess not.

Thanks

[TopCatGr58]

Hey again,

One set of splines is between the rear wheel HUB and Final drive unit, that's what you greased! BUT there are also the Final Driveshaft splines where it fits into the final drive and the zerk fitting at that junction is USELESS, and this is where it can dry out and destroy the driveshaft/final drive splines! Just ask Jerry!
T.C.

[79XS11F]

If you hear this "click" as the front end of the bike goes over the bump is is likely the head set bearings and possibly the wheel bearing but if the wheel bearings were toast you would have other issues.
If you hear the "click" when the back of the bike goes over the bump it could be swing arm bearings, rear wheel bearings, or shock noise if the shocks are toast.
Most "click" that can be felt and heard but only in relation to bumps will turn out to be a bearing at some location on the bike unless it is a part that is not secure like for example the headlight ears not being under enough compression between the triple tree upper and lower bridges.
Rob