FatBoy front fork noise
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2005
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From:
FatBoy front fork noise
Hi,
I just purchased a 2004 FatBoy. It is really nice and I can only find one issue with it. When I go over ruff terrain, ie... small pothole or manhole, or small bump, The front forks will make a kind of clunck sound. Hard to discribe it but it doesn't seem to effect the ride other then it kind of feels like the fork is loose. This is not the case as I have checked it and there is nothing loose.
Since I haven't ridden a softtail before I can't say if this is normal. Can anyone give me advise please.
Thanks Mark
I just purchased a 2004 FatBoy. It is really nice and I can only find one issue with it. When I go over ruff terrain, ie... small pothole or manhole, or small bump, The front forks will make a kind of clunck sound. Hard to discribe it but it doesn't seem to effect the ride other then it kind of feels like the fork is loose. This is not the case as I have checked it and there is nothing loose.
Since I haven't ridden a softtail before I can't say if this is normal. Can anyone give me advise please.
Thanks Mark
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: FatBoy front fork noise
Howdy Mark, I don't know that much about noises that a bike makes because I've only been back in the saddle about 4 weeks. Have you thought about taking it to the dealer and asking a mechanic what it might be? After I bought my new Harley, I've called them on a lot of things. Just an idea.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
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From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: FatBoy front fork noise
I have that same "clunk" in the front forks of my Night Train. According to the dealer, it's normal.
Now having said that, there have been a couple of thread discussing flat spots on steering head bearings that cause things to get out of whack, as well as amount of fork oil, and bearing lubrication. So, I'm kind wondering if it IS normal...
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Now having said that, there have been a couple of thread discussing flat spots on steering head bearings that cause things to get out of whack, as well as amount of fork oil, and bearing lubrication. So, I'm kind wondering if it IS normal...
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: FatBoy front fork noise
Add some oil to the forks or drain the forks and put in some screaming eagle fork oil.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 194
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From: Gold Coast, Australia.
RE: FatBoy front fork noise
I changed my front fork springs over to progressive springs and it still rattles when you hit a bad pot hole..........
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Joined: May 2005
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From:
RE: FatBoy front fork noise
If you would like to get rid of that clunk in the front end, try retorquing the steering head nut. They "loosen up " ( not really but things seat in) after a few miles. I believe the torque has been changed to a higher value because of this problem. Some use 100 lbs now , but I feel this is a bit high, I used 70 lbs and no more clunks.
You should also check the fall away according to the manual, but the retorquing usually takes care of it.
Mine did the same clunking thing till I retorqued, it felt new again.
Good luck with all the clunking.
Can't believe the dealers say this is normal, but I know what you mean.
You should also check the fall away according to the manual, but the retorquing usually takes care of it.
Mine did the same clunking thing till I retorqued, it felt new again.
Good luck with all the clunking.
Can't believe the dealers say this is normal, but I know what you mean.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2005
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From:
RE: FatBoy front fork noise
ORIGINAL: TCSTD
If you would like to get rid of that clunk in the front end, try retorquing the steering head nut. They "loosen up " ( not really but things seat in) after a few miles. I believe the torque has been changed to a higher value because of this problem. Some use 100 lbs now , but I feel this is a bit high, I used 70 lbs and no more clunks.
You should also check the fall away according to the manual, but the retorquing usually takes care of it.
Mine did the same clunking thing till I retorqued, it felt new again.
Good luck with all the clunking.
Can't believe the dealers say this is normal, but I know what you mean.
If you would like to get rid of that clunk in the front end, try retorquing the steering head nut. They "loosen up " ( not really but things seat in) after a few miles. I believe the torque has been changed to a higher value because of this problem. Some use 100 lbs now , but I feel this is a bit high, I used 70 lbs and no more clunks.
You should also check the fall away according to the manual, but the retorquing usually takes care of it.
Mine did the same clunking thing till I retorqued, it felt new again.
Good luck with all the clunking.
Can't believe the dealers say this is normal, but I know what you mean.
Just wondering if you have a better description....
Thanks Mark