Hey guys and gals. Wondering if any of you have had this issue or ever heard of it...

My 2000 Road King with 20k miles on it has developed a weird banging sound almost like bottoming out feel/sound.
Only when hitting a bump it feels and sounds like the motor bangs the frame or the front forks bottom out? Cant really tell witch.

I am leaning toward replacing the motor mounts and replacing the fork oil as I am not sure witch it could be. For all I know it could be something totally different. Would love to hear what you all think.

The bike has new rear air shocks and I know its coming from the front because the rear feels fine. But with only 20k miles I dont know how long mounts and oil should last.

 

Do one change at a time, find the location, road surface, where this noise is caused. Also some thing simple, check the fuel tank bolts, make sure they are tight.

 

It's really one or the other. And I am the type to do it all or nothing. Being a 15 year old bike might as well

 

Check the rubber swing arm bushings. A Bro just pulled his off his '98, they were beat and the cause of the same noise...

 

Fork oil is cheap and fast, then ride, if you still hear it, step #2.

 

Check the rear shocks. I had a 2003 Ultra Classic that was making a similar noise when going over a bump. I could feel it in the floorboards as well. Turned out the right rear shock was binding up. Might be worth checking. Very easy replacement.

 

Rear shocks are fine. They are brand new

 

Did you check the steering head bearings? They can make a similar sound under fork compression if they're loose.

 

No I have not. Can you explain.

 

Hold your front brake and compress the front end and see if you can make the noise or feel a "clunk". If so, your neck bearings have loosened up and need adjustment. If you have the service manual, check the procedure for adjusting the "fall away".