Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Front end noise

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 11:16 AM
  #1  
08HSTC's Avatar
08HSTC
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Warrenton, MO
Default Front end noise

Ever since&nbsp\\;I bought my '08 Heritage, I've noticed a "klunking" noise&nbsp\\;from the front end&nbsp\\;when I hit a bump in the road. I can't find anything loose up there. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I'm due for a 1500 mile checkup soon and am going to ask the dealer to look at it. Just curious...&nbsp\\;
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 11:22 AM
  #2  
lionsqrne's Avatar
lionsqrne
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
Default RE: Front end noise

I have an 07 Heritage and recently noticed this as well. Cannot seem to find the source though.&nbsp\\;
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 12:00 PM
  #3  
MasterGun's Avatar
MasterGun
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Newport, NC
Default RE: Front end noise

I had it too. Took mine to the dealer and it turned out to be a stearing bearing in the neck. I highly recommend you get it in for a check. The fix was simple and fast. They obviously knew exactly what the problem was.
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 12:27 PM
  #4  
MilitaryMike's Avatar
MilitaryMike
Novice
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, CA
Default RE: Front end noise

Just purchased my 08 Heritage this past June and yes I noticed a "klunking" noise too when I hit a bump in the road.

I only have 150 miles on the bike, a long way from my 1500 mile checkup, is this something I need to be concerned about or can it wait until my 1500 mile checkup?

Military Mike
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 12:36 PM
  #5  
mke125125's Avatar
mke125125
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
Default RE: Front end noise

it is the&nbsp\\; bearing in the neck. I had the exact same problem on my new bike. the dealer retorqued it and problem was solved. The ride will improve also.
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 12:48 PM
  #6  
07Fatty's Avatar
07Fatty
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
From: Bartow, Fl.
Default RE: Front end noise

+1 on neck bearing . this is a routine maint. issue needs tightened every 5000 mi or so
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 12:57 PM
  #7  
In Memoriam Citoriplus's Avatar
In Memoriam Citoriplus
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
Default RE: Front end noise

Its not uncommon for a new bike. The pounding of riding seats the bearings tighter and makes the head a little loose. Tell the dealer when you bring it in and they should fix it in a few minutes.
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 01:54 PM
  #8  
lionsqrne's Avatar
lionsqrne
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
Default RE: Front end noise

I just ran mine out to the dealer over lunch and they checked it and retorq'd it for me.. problem solved. And yes, the ride was also improved from that 15 minute 10 dollar fix.


 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 15, 2008 | 02:08 PM
  #9  
08HSTC's Avatar
08HSTC
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Warrenton, MO
Default RE: Front end noise

The dealer just told me that the 1000 mile checkup will fix the problem. The neck bearing loosens as you ride. Easy fix according to him. Thanks for the help everybody!
 
Reply
Old Jul 17, 2008 | 10:04 AM
  #10  
asolare123's Avatar
asolare123
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Holland PA
Default RE: Front end noise

I have the exact same issue with my 2008 Heritage. I have the same question as "MilitaryMike". Is this a safety concern or can it wait until the 1000 mile service?&nbsp\\;

Chris in PA
"Live to Ride, Ride to Live"
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:25 AM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-18 10:29:31


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE