Clonking forks

[The T Boy]

Morning all.

I've noticed a strange clonking feeling from the front forks of the ST when I compress them quickly. If I let them back up normally then all is fine but if I pogo them up and down then it thumps in both directions.

I first thought it was a bit of driveline shunt when riding but on closer inspection it's definitely coming from the front suspension. It's a sort of dull but audible thump and you can feel it through the handlebars too

As a bit of a bike technical newbie I'm not sure what is causing it. It feels as though it could be headstock bearings but if this were the case then there should be a bit of general slack and vibration through the handlebars. Anyone aware of what this could be?

T

[runnersp]

Its a typical Triumph thing methinks... The headstock could be a bit loose. My Speed Triple did it too, just needed tightening...

[The T Boy]

Thanks. I've only had the bike 2 weeks so back to the dealers I think.

[TPS]

Im no expert so this is only some ideas.It may be that you need to replace the fork oil in the forks and possibly go for a thicker oil.It could also be that the springs inside your forks are worn and need replacing.If you can lift the front up of the ground then shake the steering left to right etc to see if there is any play or excessive movement in the forks.

[Busamav]

3 possibilities spring to mind

fork sliders

headrace bearings

or maybe its the float on the front discs

[The T Boy]

Busamav said:

or maybe its the float on the front discs

What's that then?

[F.M]

Sounds like fork oil to me too...perhaps it`s low...2nd port of call I`d look at the head bearings..give`em a torque upto the required spec. or replace...

[barry sheene]

Busamav said:

headrace bearings

I'd put a tenner on this one, quite usual for a trumpet.....

[Busamav]

The T Boy said:

Busamav said:

or maybe its the float on the front discs

What's that then?

Discs are mostly floating , ie have movement in their mountings.

When you rock the bike back and forth slowly , just have a look at the movement in the discs.

For the headrace bearings , rock the bike with the brake on , and just place your hand on the bottom yoke / bearing junction and you will most likely feel a tad of movement there

[The T Boy]

Just a quick update incase anyone gives a monkey's......

The headstock is fine and the noise was actually nothing more than the disc float. Not a completely wasted journey to the dealers though as the sun was out and the roads were empty.

Full marks to those who correctly identified the problem. Collect your free* pint from your nearest public house.


*a local administration charge of approximately £3 may apply.