Wheel Bearings or Steering head bearings problem?

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I have a 2013 Commando FS. It has about 3,000 miles it.

Recently I noticed that when I wheel the bike around in the driveway I detect a tiny amount of movement in the front end, that shouldn't be there. For example if I walk the bike forward quickly and then slam on the front brake as hard as I can . . . there is a "notch" or a "click" or a tiny almost indetectable movement as the bike stops. (None of the other bikes do this (3 MBW's, 1 Moro Guzzi and 1 Ducati)

This movement is not detectable when riding.

It is difficult to check for play in the forks or the wheel, because of the lack of a centre stand.

I was thinking I would put the bike on the paddock stand and build a small wooden platform to go under the centre of the bike and then with a helper, tip the bike on the wooden platform and then test the forks and wheel for movement or play. It looks like the support would have to go above the pipes and under the frame.

However, I am concerned about damaging the pipes etc.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Is there a better way of testing checking?

Is there a suitable lift/jack I could by?

Thanks for your help!
 
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Is there a suitable lift/jack I could by?

I bought this for my '75 Mk3 because it has adjustable lift points. It can be made to fit any motorcycle frame.
Wheel Bearings or Steering head bearings problem?


Wheel Bearings or Steering head bearings problem?

Wheel Bearings or Steering head bearings problem?
 
I have a 2013 Commando FS. It has about 3,000 miles it.

Recently I noticed that when I wheel the bike around in the driveway I detect a tiny amount of movement in the front end, that shouldn't be there. For example if I walk the bike forward quickly and then slam on the front brake as hard as I can . . . there is a "notch" or a "click" or a tiny almost indetectable movement as the bike stops. (None of the other bikes do this (3 MBW's, 1 Moro Guzzi and 1 Ducati)

This movement is not detectable when riding.

It is difficult to check for play in the forks or the wheel, because of the lack of a centre stand.

I was thinking I would put the bike on the paddock stand and build a small wooden platform to go under the centre of the bike and then with a helper, tip the bike on the wooden platform and then test the forks and wheel for movement or play. It looks like the support would have to go above the pipes and under the frame.

However, I am concerned about damaging the pipes etc.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Is there a better way of testing checking?

Is there a suitable lift/jack I could by?

Thanks for your help!

Maybe the brake pads / calipers in the front can make a click when apply the brake. Try doing the same with the rear brake and see if you hear it,.
 
My Tuono has floating disc`s and they click a lot. I don`t have the Norton here at the moment as it`s in for service so am unable to look .
 
Can you use it on the 961 without taking off the pipes?

With a little imagination you can lift any frame. There are multiple attachments that can adapt to frame, foot pegs and in some cases pipes. The manufacturer shows photos of Triumph triples being raised by the pipes from underneath.
 
Maybe the brake pads / calipers in the front can make a click when apply the brake. Try doing the same with the rear brake and see if you hear it,.
Thanks for the tip. That might be the case.
 
I used the center jack while the exhaust is on to also raise the bike to remove the yolks. Very safe and sturdy, especially with the rear paddock stand

So Scott, is the jack in the center lifting from the pipes?
 
roofus I had this and the large nut had on top of the steering yoke had come loose. I check mine regularly now, anyone else had this?
 
At its simplest does this need one mate to support the bike upright while the back brake is on (strap the lever on) and another rocks the forks while you feel for play in forks/head? Total cost two beers? Could it be internal valve mechanisms in the forks?
 
Hi all, my bike has exactly the same symptoms as described by roofus. I took it for its MFK ( MOT) test last week and the tester said there is play in the head race so failed it. There is a definite “clonk” when I apply the brake, but I don’t feel any play between the top yoke and the steering head. I think it was always there, but it sounds and feels more like the damper has some movement. Prior to taking it I was cleaning the bike ( dirty bike is another potential failure ) when I noticed some dirt on the top nut and when I wiped it the nut rotated !! So undid the bars, loosened off the right clamp screws, then the left. As soon as I loosened the left upper there was a weird noise like metal dragging on a spring followed by a clonk. I thought maybe it was something running down one of the brake lines and hitting the mudguard, but couldn’t see anything, so I’m wondering if it was something inside the fork leg which got released. Any ideas ?
 
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Hi all, my bike has exactly the same symptoms as described by roofus. I took it for its MFK ( MOT) test last week and the tester said there way play in the head race so failed it. There is a definite “clonk” when I apply the brake, but I don’t feel any play between the top yoke and the steering head. I think it was always there, but it sounds and feels more like the damper has some movement. Prior to taking it I was cleaning the bike ( dirty bike is another potential failure ) when I noticed some dirt on the top nut and when I wiped it the nut rotated !! So undid the bars, loosened off the right clamp screws, then the left. As soon as I loosened the left upper there was a weird noise like metal dragging on a spring followed by a clonk. I thought maybe it was something running down one of the brake lines and hitting the mudguard, but couldn’t see anything, so I’m wondering if it was something inside the fork leg which got released. Any ideas ?
My 961 did this from about 3000 miles.
Push bike forward and apply front brake and a heavy clonk from top yoke.
Was repaired under warranty at Teasdales.
Should know this but I think it was a spacer between the bearings..
It needs attention as it won’t get any better.
 
Thanks MAK, I’ve had a good look through the manual and there is no mention of a spacer, but like I said I don’t think the clonk is coming from the head race. It sounds like it’s inside the fork somewhere. Anyway I won’t be able to check it till I get back home as I’m back in blighty at the moment and in quarantine :(
 
Thanks MAK, I’ve had a good look through the manual and there is no mention of a spacer, but like I said I don’t think the clonk is coming from the head race. It sounds like it’s inside the fork somewhere. Anyway I won’t be able to check it till I get back home as I’m back in blighty at the moment and in quarantine :(
Stand corrected,
Just found the old worksheet and they changed both steering head bearings.
But admittedly it did sound like the noise was coming from the shocks.
Bearings renewed and noise gone away.
 
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