Clunks and Clanks
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Enterprise, AL
Clunks and Clanks
I've done some forum searches, but have found nothing that floats my boat. I have two "clanks" that occur on my bike--my definition of a "clank" being more than a "click" but less than a "clunk". So I hope that's clear as mud.
The clank when going over a decent bump--to me this has always sounded like something inside the fuel tank, almost as if there was a float or some other free object that strikes the top of the tank from the rapid jolt of the bump. It's not a tremendous sound that sends shudders through the bike, but it's certainly enough to be easily heard. Does anyone have any theories that something besides a loose steering head/bad bearings/shock oil etc... causes this noise?
The clank from the front brake--happens when I apply the brake somewhat abruptly after having applied the brake when rolling in the opposite direction. Example; if I back the bike out of my garage and then use the front brake to stop, the next time I use the front brake (this time in forward motion) it makes a "clank". All bolts are tight so I assume this has something to do with some slop in the floating design?
The clank when going over a decent bump--to me this has always sounded like something inside the fuel tank, almost as if there was a float or some other free object that strikes the top of the tank from the rapid jolt of the bump. It's not a tremendous sound that sends shudders through the bike, but it's certainly enough to be easily heard. Does anyone have any theories that something besides a loose steering head/bad bearings/shock oil etc... causes this noise?
The clank from the front brake--happens when I apply the brake somewhat abruptly after having applied the brake when rolling in the opposite direction. Example; if I back the bike out of my garage and then use the front brake to stop, the next time I use the front brake (this time in forward motion) it makes a "clank". All bolts are tight so I assume this has something to do with some slop in the floating design?
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,717
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From: Connecticut / Amsterdam
Sounds
I've done some forum searches, but have found nothing that floats my boat. I have two "clanks" that occur on my bike--my definition of a "clank" being more than a "click" but less than a "clunk". So I hope that's clear as mud.
The clank when going over a decent bump--to me this has always sounded like something inside the fuel tank, almost as if there was a float or some other free object that strikes the top of the tank from the rapid jolt of the bump. It's not a tremendous sound that sends shudders through the bike, but it's certainly enough to be easily heard. Does anyone have any theories that something besides a loose steering head/bad bearings/shock oil etc... causes this noise?
The clank from the front brake--happens when I apply the brake somewhat abruptly after having applied the brake when rolling in the opposite direction. Example; if I back the bike out of my garage and then use the front brake to stop, the next time I use the front brake (this time in forward motion) it makes a "clank". All bolts are tight so I assume this has something to do with some slop in the floating design?
The clank when going over a decent bump--to me this has always sounded like something inside the fuel tank, almost as if there was a float or some other free object that strikes the top of the tank from the rapid jolt of the bump. It's not a tremendous sound that sends shudders through the bike, but it's certainly enough to be easily heard. Does anyone have any theories that something besides a loose steering head/bad bearings/shock oil etc... causes this noise?
The clank from the front brake--happens when I apply the brake somewhat abruptly after having applied the brake when rolling in the opposite direction. Example; if I back the bike out of my garage and then use the front brake to stop, the next time I use the front brake (this time in forward motion) it makes a "clank". All bolts are tight so I assume this has something to do with some slop in the floating design?
I had the same sound/problem when i hit a bump it was going right though my bike it turned out to be my gas tank was loose on the end where the seat is and i also check my front one which loose a little too but mainly it was the one near the seat , as far as the brake/rotor clank all my bikes have done that one time or another i think it's the design ..
Last edited by Wonkaboy; Nov 4, 2009 at 12:12 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,785
Likes: 63
From: Eastern Washington State
Check and tighten the front and rear mounting bolts for the gas tank. My "clank" was the result of not having the rear bolt installed (you can't see it when the seat is on). Put a bolt in, tightened it down and the clank was gone.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 289
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From: Enterprise, AL
Interesting...I have checked the front bolts on the tank before (figuring my tank lift install was the culprit), but never checked the rear bolt(s). I will check both tonight. Thanks for the feedback.
Last edited by Andjh123; Nov 4, 2009 at 09:02 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 12
From: San Antonio, TX
Like others have stated:
1: Your rear tank bolt is one possible culprit, (I just had to tighten mine last week to solve a clunk).
2: Your Jiffy stand has a rubber bumper that can rotate off center leaving a nice metal space for your jiffy to clank up against.
Cheers,
Tom
1: Your rear tank bolt is one possible culprit, (I just had to tighten mine last week to solve a clunk).
2: Your Jiffy stand has a rubber bumper that can rotate off center leaving a nice metal space for your jiffy to clank up against.
Cheers,
Tom
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 916
Likes: 3
From: Mauldin, SC
My clank going over bumps was from the fork lock being loose. You can peel the aluminum decal off and tighten it.
My floating front rotor clicks, especially after using the brake rolling backwards.
My floating front rotor clicks, especially after using the brake rolling backwards.
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