Need some expertise from knowledgeable forum folks. I have an '07 FXDC. 10.4K miles. I didn't lay it up for winter, rode throughout the winter season. I'm a decent wrench with 20+ years of automotive and bike maintenance background and I performed the 5K and 10K maintenance myself, following the recommended servicing by Harley. Starting two weeks ago (3 rides, ~600 miles) I've noted the following occuring:

Under moderate braking, I get some front end shudder. Nothing significant, but noticeable. Shuddering stops immediately upon coming off the brake. Additionally, on first moderate application of front brake I get what feels like a "clunk", with the previously mentioned shudder, but no audible sound. Almost like something is breaking free. After that 1st time, then I experience the previous mentioned shudder with no "clunk" feeling.

I get no shudder under acceleration or normal cruising at any speed or rate of acceleration. The tire is balanced and has 2.5K on the replacement Dunlop. The rear was replaced and balanced at the same time. I've done no fork or triple tree mods,do not have a fork brace, haven't hit any potholes. While I do have the typical "Dyna dive" as I like to refer to it with the stock springs, the fork is not bottoming on moderate to severe braking (I made sure of this in a school parking lot in case that was what was happening).

Forgot to add: Norotor scoring, caliper is tight and pads look to be about 1/2 worn.


Ok gods and tech gurus of the forum....Where have I f-ed it up or what should I be looking at adjusting? Have I even provided even info to get an intelligent opinion?

 

Since you have ridden throughout the winter you might try cleaning the pistons. Lyndall Racing Brakes has a procedure to restore or help the performance of motorcycle disk brake systems. I have included a link to their cleaning procedure. If it does not help then you might use a straight edge to checkthe disk for waver or warping.

http://www.lyndallracingbrakes.com/service_tech.htm

Good luck with it.
Arcane

 

I had that on the rear once (for a long time) It was the brake pad material had broken loose from one of the metal backing plates. I guess I did it whenI shoved the rear wheel up into the swingarm and didn't have to rotoe lined up just right with the caliper. Also, make sure it's riding freely on the mouting bolts, if they get sticky, it'll make all kinds of minor weird things happen.

Just some suggestions.........

 

This may be a long shot, but I had a similiar problem on one of my bikes a few years ago. Slight klunk with no sound and some shuddering. Checked all the obvious stuff, no luck. What it ended up being was the steering head bearings needed adjusted. The were a bit on the loose side. No other symptoms, just the front braking issue. Worth a shot.

[IMG]local://upfiles/48173/86AE5FC5C3434CC384AF5907ED1D72FC.jpg[/IMG]

 

I concur with Arcane.
What I think you're hearing is one or more brake pads getting 'cocked' under release of braking and then popping back into place the next time the brakes are applied giving you this 'clunk'.
You need to clean and lube the calipers and actuating parts so the pads move in and out uniformly. If you've been experiencing this for some time you might see uneven wear on the pads aggravating the problem. New pads would be a good idea....Lyndalls.

CN

 

Thanks to all. It appears as though the problem is the steering head nut, washer and torque spec. The service bulletin that addresses it is M1215 issued January 03, 2008. The fix is a kit from the dealer.It cost 2 bucks. I'm going to try and get it covered under warranty.

The bulletin applies as follows:

2006-2007 Dyna models[align=left]• 2008 and earlier FXDWG[/align][align=left]• 2008 and earlier FX Softail models[/align]
• 2008 and earlier VRSC models

Many thanks to jmpancoast in the tech forum for the bulletin info. I owe him several beers!! Will be getting the part and installing myself if they won't cover it under warranty

 

The "kit" is a hardened washer that costs $1.70. Torque to 70-80ft lbs. 3 minute DIY. HD part number 45727-08