Got a *clunk* in the front when braking...

[ERM83]

Everything is GREAT with the bike so far...my last problem was a bunk ignition coil. One of the wires that connects to the actual threaded contact was apparently juuuuuuust about to snap (hence having to rev the SOB so much to take-off), and eventually wouldn't read SQUAT on the ol' multimeter. Accel coils...and you should see how they're made, if you haven't ripped onE apart yet. there is literally ONE SMALL COPPER WIRE PER SIDE epoxied into the hollow bolt. So HEADS UP if you have them, or are about to get them - DON'T GO CRAZY tightening the nuts!! It'll make the bolt spin, and that wire gets twisted...then breaks. LESSON LEARNED.

So NOW - I've got a *clunk* happening when I use the front brakes (regular use; not hard). It isn't the brakes themselves...I can literally FEEL said clunk in my friggin handlebars. I pushed on the handlebars with the brakes on to check the shocks, and the clunk doesn't happen there...only when pulling up to a stop sign / stop light. It isn't really jerky or anything, but obviously something needs to be fixed. Checked my handlebar holders; they're fine. Shock caps are nice and tight. Steering bearing maybe??


Eric

[DiverRay]

I would check the bearings for sure! You may just need to adjust the freeplay, or you may need to replace the bearings.

[ERM83]

I would check the bearings for sure! You may just need to adjust the freeplay, or you may need to replace the bearings.

Thanks, Ray! I've never messed with the steering bearing, but I have to do the fork oil, so...why not just replace it, yeah?? If anyone has any other possible explanations / fixes, throw'em at me!!

I'm getting close to doing the full-on tear down and rebuild...saving for another ride to have while doing that. NOT looking forward to the transmission work (based on what I've seen here)....yikes.

[alaskey2]

I'm getting close to doing the full-on tear down and rebuild...saving for another ride to have while doing that. NOT looking forward to the transmission work (based on what I've seen here)....yikes.

Is the transmission giving you problems? It not, why not just leave it be?

[soccer4m]

jack up the front end

Hey Alaskey,,,you live in Alaska??? Anyway, for the clunk try putting on center stand if you have one, put a jack under the front of the engine or mounts, just enough to raise the front tire off the ground, and wiggle the tire front, sideways, up, down to see if the bearings are off, also recheck all the caliper mounts and the tire axle bolt to check for being tight. There is a lot of weight being thrown forward and doesnt take much too cause a clunk, have fun,,,Mike in Sun Diego

[fredintoon]

Hey Alaskey,,,you live in Alaska??? Anyway, for the clunk try putting on center stand if you have one, put a jack under the front of the engine or mounts, just enough to raise the front tire off the ground, and wiggle the tire front, sideways, up, down to see if the bearings are off, also recheck all the caliper mounts and the tire axle bolt to check for being tight. There is a lot of weight being thrown forward and doesnt take much too cause a clunk, have fun,,,Mike in Sun Diego

Hi Mike,
if ERM83s "clunk" is loose headraces they obviously need to be tightened and with the front wheel propped up off the ground is the way to do it.
But by how much?
Traditionally, they should be tightened until there is no shake at all and the 'bars stay straight ahead when put there but fall to either side when given a nudge.

[alaskey2]

Not in Alaska, i live in Illinois.